THERE has been plenty of hype already surrounding Sydney Swans recruit Isaac Heeney and it's all for a very good reason, according to the club's co-captain Jarrad McVeigh.

Knee tendinitis threatened to delay the debut of the 18-year-old but after careful management - and an impressive NAB Challenge campaign - he is a good chance to be rolled out for round one.

Heeney was thrust into the spotlight at the 2014 NAB AFL Draft when the Swans claimed him with pick No.18.

Many suggested he was a top-five pick but the Swans were able to snap him up with their late first-round selection because he came out of the club's development academy.

Heeney is now the face of the 'academy debate' (in which Victorian clubs are calling for a pure draft) but this certainly has not affected his preparation for 2015.

McVeigh says Heeney is getting on with business and already gained the respect of his teammates.

"His three games have been really impressive so it’s good to have guys pushing for positions," McVeigh told AFL.com.au.

"We’ll see how [the round one team] pans out but the Swans supporters will definitely see him play this year. We’re excited for him.” 

As a midfielder/forward Heeney looked comfortable in the Swans’ No.5 jumper, recently vacated by 2012 Norm Smith medallist Ryan O’Keefe.

He picked up 49 disposals and kicked three goals across the pre-season matches.

"He’s got a ready-made body for AFL and he knows our systems after coming through the academy. They learn what’s required to play at this level so he’s come off a really good base and done everything we’ve asked of him,”  McVeigh said.

While Heeney is the new face, Lewis Jetta looks set for a new role as a running defender after veteran Nick Malceski’s move to Gold Coast. 

"Jetts has done a lot of the work in the pre-season in the defensive area, just trying to work on that side of his game. We know he’s got a very good attacking game, but just knowing where to set up and stuff like that is where he’s learning. He’s a guy we really want down there."

McVeigh knows just how valuable the electrifying West Australian will be to the Swans.

“He’s got unbelievable speed and great skills, and as we saw on the weekend against GWS, he loves to run and take the game on, so if he can firstly beat his man, and then get on the end of it, the forwards will be very happy.”