Isaac Heeney

Swans coach praises “super” player following inspired move to the midfield

The Swans have started their 2024 season 2-0 after dismantling the reigning premiers on Friday night.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

The Isaac Heeney move to the midfield has been an inspired one.

Sydney's second win of the season came against the reigning premiers Collingwood on their home turf, with Heeney leading the charge.

In the absence of experienced trio Callum Mills, Luke Parker, and recruit Taylor Adams, a much larger reliance was placed on the shoulders of the 27-year-old.

Being "the oldest one there", coach John Longmire was impressed with his leadership and direction of the younger players.

"It's (Heeney's move to the midfield) worked for the last couple of weeks," Longmire said post-game.

"He's been super. He's been terrific and there's no question about it.

"He's been really important when we've had so much experience out of our team, and if you look at our midfield group tonight, he was clearly the oldest one there and he's only 27.

"But we'll play him where we need him... if we need him forward we'll play him forward and at the moment he's going really well midfield and he's been super."

Heeney has played most of his career in the forward line, earning All-Australian honours in 2022 as a half-forward.

A credit to his versatility, Longmire believes a player of his "quality" will have an impact anywhere.

"I just think he'll play both roles... wherever he plays, he's just quality," Longmire said.

"He's an All-Australian half-forward too, so he's just a good player, so wherever you play him he has an impact and he's good for our team.

"He works so hard and he's just an incredible worker and he's hard and tough, and then he just runs. He's got an amazing engine on him and the combination of those two (is lethal).

"And now he has the ability to make decisions in the game and put himself forward when he needs to, put himself midfield when he needs to has been the terrific thing out of the pre-season.

"He's a great preparer and he's got more confidence to put himself in and out what he needs to do and he's sensing the moments."

In the opening two rounds, Heeney has averaged 28 disposals, 11 score involvements, eight clearances, six marks, five tackles and over a goal a game.

Admittedly, with a small sample size, Longmire and his coaching staff will sleep with ease knowing that the no.5 is on their team.

The Swans will now turn their attention to Essendon at the SCG on Saturday, March 23.

Published by
Aidan Cellini