SUPERSTAR Lance Franklin has been rightly lauded for his role as the leader of Sydney's forward line, and a quick look at the players surrounding him shows just how valuable his experience has been.

When the Swans run out against Greater Western Sydney in Saturday's elimination final at the SCG, Franklin – and fellow veteran Kieren Jack – will share the forward 50 with five September debutants at different stages throughout the night.

MEGA-PREVIEW Swans v Giants

Tall target Tom McCartin, who was the youngest player taken at last year's NAB AFL draft, will become the fifth youngest Sydney player to play in a final and the youngest in 73 years, at 18 years and 252 days.

Second-year youngsters Will Hayward (19), Ollie Florent (20) and Ben Ronke (20) will also be in the 22, along with injury-riddled forward Dan Robinson (24), who will also taste the post-season for the first time.

All five players will have a role in the forward half, with Robinson a chance to get the job on All Australian Giants defender Lachie Whitfield after limiting his influence when the teams last met at Spotless Stadium in round 22.

As a quartet, McCartin, Hayward, Florent and Ronke will be the largest group of under-21s to debut together in a final since Justin Crawford (18), Shannon Grant (18), Brad Seymour (19), Adam Heuskes (19) and Simon Arnott (19) all faced Hawthorn in the 1996 qualifying final.

With Sam Reid playing just one game for the year because of injury, McCartin has been an outstanding find for the Swans, and will make his finals debut in just his 15th game, while Ronke (18th), Robinson (25th), Florent (32nd) and Hayward (40th) have all been valuable contributors.

The speedy Hayward sits second behind Franklin (57 goals) on the club's goalkicking table with 28 for the season, while Ronke (23) has bagged hauls of seven and five this year.

Sydney is the most experienced finals side in terms of games played, but will be the third youngest of the eight teams selected this week, behind only Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney.

Franklin is often seen as the match-winner, but Saturday's result could be influenced by his younger teammates if they can handle the occasion.

Youngest Swans finals debutants