SYDNEY could be primed to unleash Academy graduate Nick Blakey early in the season, with the gun youngster starring in the club's scratch match victory over a weakened Greater Western Sydney side on Friday morning.

Blakey kicked three goals for the match, providing a valuable impact as the Swans easily accounted for the Giants 12.4 (76) to 7.10 (52) by 24 points in Blacktown.

The 195cm prospect spent the majority of the game as the deepest forward, but led high up the field on multiple occasions to provide the visitors with an impressive link-up option.

Nick Blakey impressed against the Giants. Picture: Getty Images

He kicked two goals from strong marks early in the match as Sydney kicked seven unanswered majors to start the game, helping to put the contest beyond doubt well before half-time.

The teenager added a third goal from a mark on the lead midway through the final term, completing a solid individual display from the talented top-10 draft pick.

Blakey's impact could be a welcome sight for Sydney coach John Longmire, who is sweating on the fitness of forward duo Lance Franklin and Dan Menzel ahead of a round one clash against the Western Bulldogs in a month's time.

Lance Franklin watched on from the sidelines. Picture: AFL Photos

Young duo Callum Mills and Oliver Florent were the other standouts for the Swans, with both set for greater midfield roles in 2019. The pair started the majority of centre bounces throughout the morning, frequently getting their hands on the footy.

Mills was influential, with his composure and delivery in all areas of the ground a highlight for a Sydney team looking to fill the void of the departed Dan Hannebery this season.

Florent, who ran through the midfield in bursts last season, spent a far greater portion of his game on the ball and was also prolific. His ability to dash out of stoppages and still create forward of centre was a standout feature of the game.

Toby Pink booted one goal in the win. Picture: Getty Images

In the absence of star midfielders Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Isaac Heeney, who are on AFLX duty, Sydney also turned to Tom Papley for a greater role out of the centre.

The diminutive Papley was able to create speed from stoppages, while he still ran forward to finish with three goals for the game.

Jordan Dawson also combined midfield minutes with a forward role and was influential, while recruit Ryan Clarke played just the second half but was busy throughout.

Jordan Dawson takes a strong mark. Picture: Getty Images

Harry Cunningham's willingness through the midfield and youngster James McInerney's dash from half-back were other impressive facets of Sydney's win.

GWS was missing a series of stars with Josh Kelly, Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron, Heath Shaw, Brett Deledio, Nick Haynes and Adam Tomlinson all sidelined through injury.

However, a number of those players completed a full session prior to the practice game commencing, with the majority likely to return in time for the JLT Community Series.

Adam Tomlinson and Jeremy Cameron running laps before the scratch match. Picture: Getty Images 

Lachie Whitfield, Callan Ward, Phil Davis and Stephen Coniglio were also absent on AFLX duty, enabling a host of untried youngsters to push their case for oppoertunites this season.

First-round draft picks Jye Caldwell and Jackson Hateley were used through the midfield, with both able to win plenty of the football in impressive individual displays.

Young duo Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper were also able to demonstrate why they have been promised more midfield time in 2019, arguably the best for a depleted Giants outfit.

Aiden Bonar, who spent the majority of his first year in an AFL system playing as a forward, was one of a number of players trialled as a permanent midfielder and looked promising in his new role.

Veteran Shane Mumford made a successful return following a year out of the game, playing just the second half but displaying his typical physicality on several occasions and dominating young opponent Darcy Cameron in the ruck.

But the big man could come under scrutiny for a high shot on George Hewett.

GWS GIANTS       0.3      2.7      5.7     7.10 (52)
SYDNEY                5.2      8.2     10.2    12.4 (76) 

BEST
GWS Giants: Taranto, Hopper, Caldwell, Daniels, Perryman
Sydney: Papley, Florent, Mills, Blakey, Lloyd, Rampe, Cunningham, Dawson 

GOALS
GWS Giants: Lloyd 2, Perryman, Reid, Taranto, Sproule, Daniels
Sydney: Blakey 3, Papley 3, Cunningham 2, Hayward 2, Pink, Dawson