DRAFT steal Isaac Heeney says he wouldn't be playing AFL if it weren't for the Sydney Swans' controversial academy.

The prodigiously talented midfielder was rated among the top handful of players in last year's NAB AFL Draft, but under the academy system the Swans secured Heeney with their first pick, No.18 overall.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire was at the forefront as debate raged throughout last season about the bidding process, which grants priority access to academy players for the northern-based clubs.

But without the Swans' academy, where he started as a 12-year-old growing up in Newcastle, Heeney said he wouldn't be playing Australian Rules.

"If it wasn't for the academy I would be nowhere near where I am today; I'd be playing a different sport," he told the Swans website.

"It's been huge … having those quality coaches around – coaches like Jared Crouch and Josh Francou.

"(Talent identification and operations manager Chris Smith) has been massive as well, and also Paul Roos a few years ago, so the quality there's been incredible and it's got me up to the standard I am today."

Heeney's development was also fast-tracked by playing for the Swans reserves last season alongside the likes of retired club great Ryan O'Keefe.

The 18-year-old, who played six games and averaged 18 possessions in the NEAFL, has since been handed O'Keefe's former No. 5 guernsey for 2015 and beyond.

"It's a massive honour. He's someone I've looked up to my whole life," Heeney said.

"I was lucky enough to play with him last year in the reserves; (he's) an amazing bloke and amazing player."

A tough and pacy 185cm on-baller, Heeney said he is keen to model his game on the likes of teammates Dan Hannebery, Jarrad McVeigh and Luke Parker.

And despite being drafted into a Grand Final team brimming with talent, he already has his sights set on nailing down a spot in the Swans' best 22.

"We're nearly two months into the pre-season and it's been intense and it's been great," Heeney said.

"My goal for the year is to hopefully crack the team as soon as possible and try and contribute the way Ryan O'Keefe did, and hopefully secure a spot in the team."