ISAAC Heeney's versatility makes him a valuable asset for the Sydney Swans, but this versatility is also the cause of friction between two of the club's senior assistant coaches.
 
In the red corner is former captain and the man in charge of the forwards, Brett Kirk, who wants the 20-year-old working under his guidance inside 50.
 
In the white corner is midfield coach Stuart Dew, who is gradually prying Heeney from the grasp of Kirk, with an eye to have him playing as a permanent onballer before the year is out.
 
The Swans' first gun academy draftee showed off some of his obvious talent in his debut season - despite a knee injury that limited his output to 14 games - but Heeney's performances in 2016 have showed why he attracted so much hype on his arrival in the AFL.
 
"We'd like to clone him," Dew told AFL.com.au this week.
 
"(Fellow midfield coach) Josh Francou and I might have to gang up on 'Kirky' so we can get him in the midfield more.
 
"Having one for each of us would be nice."
 
Heeney's clean hands and overhead marking ability makes him a tough man to counter when he's working inside the Swans' forward line, but he's taken those qualities up the ground in 2016.
 
Dew said the Newcastle boy has shown he can have an impact in the forward line, but also said that Heeney is a natural midfielder.
 
The 2015 round three NAB AFL Rising Star nominee has kicked 15 goals from his eight games this season, but has also increased his disposals and almost doubled his contested possessions per game with more time on ball.
 
Where Heeney lines up each week for the Swans could be dependent on where coach John Longmire needs him the most.
 
"At his age, we're drip feeding him, but if he continues the way he's going he'll definitely see more midfield time," Dew said.
 
"I think he can kick goals whether he's playing midfield or forward, especially in today's game.
 
"He's pretty powerful overhead but if it's not happening up forward for him you can put him up the ground and get him going, and then throw him forward again." 

Heeney told AFL.com.au that he was more than satisfied with the current arrangement of playing dual roles for the team.
 
But you get the feeling he's itching to get himself into the action alongside gun teammates Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy and Dan Hannebery.
 
"Wherever I feel dangerous and 'Horse' (John Longmire) wants me to play, I'll play, but if I could play through the midfield that would be unreal," he said.
 
"Whether that's up forward presenting, kicking goals and putting pressure on the opposition, I'll do that.
 
"If it's in the midfield to add a bit of difference in there, I'll do that.
 
"With more experience comes that improvement in my tank and I believe I'll slip into the midfield more as the year goes on."

Isaac Heeney's clean hands are an asset in the midfield. Picture: AFL Media