Third-year Swan Chad Warner hasn't taken the accustomed avenue in his development as an AFL player, with his opening year in Bondi met with "half-court" games of 10-on-10 footy.

But despite the rigours of a COVID-impacted 2020 campaign, the 21-year-old's dedication and work ethic have placed him on course for stardom, should he not already be there.

Warner was the standout performer in Sydney's 17-point win over the Dockers in enemy territory on Saturday night, collecting nine more touches that any other player on the field.

The blonde-haired man of the hour was prolific in his ball-winning ability and use of the Sherrin, bursting through the centre of Optus Stadium in being a key link within Sydney's avenue to goal.

His defensive prowess was also on show, recording a team-high eight intercepts as the Swans were able to stave off a surging Fremantle outfit late.

Speaking on the performance, Swans coach John Longmire commended the 21-year-old's drive to learn and refine his craft in such a short spell in the competition.

"Chad's just been improving year on year, week on week," Longmire said.

"It's very, very much the infancy of his career. We've been really pleased with his application to work hard and his willingness to keep on learning which he's been terrific at.

"He's got some natural explosiveness and power in his game that's been really important, but his ability to learn and keep wanting to improve every week, he's been a real standout. That's what we're after with him.

CHAD WARNER
Midfielder
Sydney
2022 SEASON AVG
22.8
Disposals
4
Tackles
4
Clearances

"He certainly played well on the weekend. His last few weeks have been pretty solid and we'd like to see that maintained or improved as he continues to play at the season for us."

Warner joined the Swans as the 39th overall pick in the 2019 National Draft, a selection that now frames as a bargain for the New South Wales club.

His first year in Sydney was met with unprecedented circumstances, forced to ply his trade in an undermanned reserves side that was pushed across the country as the AFL was frequently forced to shapeshift in tackling the pandemic.

Despite having to feature in matches that were host to less than a full squad of players, even lining up against your own teammates at times, the Swans were still able to see the roots of Warner's capabilities.

"It was really tough over the last couple of years, in hubs, and certainly in 2020 we first had him around the list there was just scramble games, 10 on 10 games. We were flying all over the country playing these half-court type games and we thought we had a good player from that," Longmire said.

"We just saw some things that we thought were really hopeful and promising as far as working with him.

"He's got better the more he training he's done and the more games he's played, he's continuing to improve. So we're really, really pleased."

Warner is among the majority of Swans players that have been plucked from interstate systems as both NSW and Queensland clubs continue to combat the 'go home factor' in what has been a losing battle across their existence.

Round 19 will see the Swans welcome back former utility Jordan Dawson, who departed the Bloods for a return to his home state of South Australia in a move to the Crows at the end of last year.

For players like Warner, Logan McDonald, Tom Papley, Oli Florent and Will Hayward, the Swans are well aware of how critical retaining interstate stars can be for their premiership ambitions.

"I think it's one of the challenges for all the northern-based teams when the majority of our list are from interstate, I mean you can't escape that fact," Longmire said.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Jordan Dawson of the Crows shows the fans his jumper after winning the game with a goal after the siren during the 2022 AFL Round 03 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at Adelaide Oval on April 01, 2022 In Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"All the northern-based teams are in the same boat. Most of the talent comes from elsewhere.

"We're not alone in that space."

The Swans will host Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday at 1:45pm (AEST), with Longmire's side a chance to
leap as high as third on the ladder should results go their way.