Sydney have long been regarded as the AFL club best at getting the most from recycled players, but their use of the rookie list arguably deserves even more acclaim.
The reigning premiers will once again be a force in September, when they’ll contest the finals for the 15th time in the past 18 years.
Defence has remained a strength. They have limited their opponents to an average 10.6 goals in 2013 – the best record in the league this season with the exception of Fremantle’s effort of 9.6.
Relentless pressure in the forward line and midfield has helped, but the Swans’ unheralded defence deserves the bulk of the credit.
Leading that charge has been incumbent All Australian Ted Richards, but the support of Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe, and Nick Smith has been immense.
Richards was traded to the Swans by Essendon, but the other three all lobbed at the SCG via the rookie draft. As did Canadian rugby convert Mike Pyke, co-captain Kieren Jack and his younger brother Brandon.
It’s a trend started by former skipper Brett Kirk, an integral part of the side’s 2005 premiership team who wasn’t even interviewed at the draft combine.
“He became a champion of the game through finally getting that opportunity (on the Swans’ rookie list),” AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan told AAP.
“It highlights Sydney’s attitude of ‘let’s give everyone a chance. Let’s keep looking. No club is perfect at this and there’ll be a hidden gem somewhere’.”
Rookie-list success stories are not uncommon in the AFL.
Kirk, and six-time All Australian ruckman Dean Cox are among the talent overlooked in the national draft.
But to have so many playing in one AFL side, especially one doing as well as the Swans, is truly exceptional.
As Sydney enter the final stage of their premiership defence, almost almost a quarter of their 22 started out on the bare-bones salary awarded to those on the rookie list.
“I don’t think there’s any secret. Working hard and doing what you’re asked,” Nick Smith said of the Swans’ formula.
“It’s pretty clear when you first get to the club, what’s expected of you.
“There’s no difference between being drafted or rookie listed, you’re treated the same.”
Sheehan suggested the Swans were pacesetters in this regard.
“In the initial years the rookie wouldn’t be in the team photograph, or go on the pre-season camp. Most teams have picked up on that, but the Swans probably lead that,” he said.
“Anyone lucky enough to get a chance at the Swans, they know they’re going to get a brilliant opportunity to develop to their full potential.
“They squeeze the absolute maximum out of people … and they’ve list managed as well as anyone.”
Rampe’s Cinderella story has been retold often this season – the local from Clovelly who this time last year was playing for University of NSW and cheering the Swans on from the SCG stands.
It is a credit to the Swans system that the 23-year-old now has every reason to hope, not dream, of playing in an AFL grand final.
“He continues to underline how important he’s been for us,” Swans coach John Longmire said of Rampe.
“He’s been fantastic from the moment he turned up here at training, just trying to get a spot on the list.
“He established himself as one of our better defenders.
“He’s an important part of our team now.”
The same can be said of Grundy, Smith, Pyke, and Brownlow Medal chance Jack.