Anyone that gathers 64 disposals and kicks four goals in a single match would be within their rights to assume that they will be an automatic call-up into the seniors next week.
But that was not the case for Sydney young gun Tom Mitchell, who achieved that mammoth feat early in the season in a NEAFL game against Eastlake.
Mitchell is one of the many Sydney players dominating in the reserves and it is these players that will be the key to the Swans come September.
It is often said that premierships are won by the team with the most depth and the Swans have that in spades this season.
So much so that Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has labelled the Swans the most powerful list he has seen in his 42-year involvement in the game.
“It is the strongest and deepest list I have seen in football.
“My count is that 17 or 18 of their players that aren’t playing would comfortably fit into a lot of teams.”
Among that list of players is Swans champion Ryan O’Keefe, who has toiled away patiently in the reserves.
There is no doubting that O’Keefe, a proven big-game player, would make a difference if he was called upon during the latter stages of the season.
Shane Biggs, a rookie-listed player, is the forgotten man and is another that is dominating at NEAFL level with a 50-disposal game off the half-back last week against Ainslie and a couple of other 40-plus possession games throughout the year.
Biggs made his debut late last season and was more than serviceable in both of his finals appearances.
Dean Towers, a former first-round mature-aged draft pick, will make his debut today against Carlton and has shown in his NAB Challenge performances that he boasts plenty of athleticism and x-factor.
Zak Jones, the hard nut younger brother of Demons star Nathan, has shown that he can be a capable player at AFL level while Jake Lloyd has taken his opportunity with both hands and has not yet lost a game in Swans colours.
Matthew Dick, Daniel Robinson and Tim Membrey are other little known players that are waiting for their opportunity to shine at AFL level.
We all know about Franklin, Kennedy, Hannebery, Tippett and other household names that have put the Swans in the position they are in currently.
But it is their depth players that will hold them in great stead and give them an advantage come finals time.
Getting a gig in the Sydney Swans line-up is proving to be one of the toughest tasks in football.
Twitter – @jclark182
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