SWANS' first-year midfielder Craig Bird takes a well-deserved mid-season break with 12 senior games to his name and a growing reputation as a key ball-winner.

Bird, who wears the number 14 jersey made famous by club legend and Brownlow Medallist Paul Kelly, said season 2008 has already surpassed his own expectations.

"I was happy to play a few senior games but to have played 12 out of the 13 senior games… It's definitely been a good start. I probably exceeded my expectations this year," he said on Thursday.

The 19-year-old missed the Subiaco clash with West Coast in round 11 but played in every other game this season. He is averaging just under 13 possessions per game, has taken 37 marks and has kicked 4.2 for the season.

An eye-catching round-10 performance against Richmond with 17 possessions and two goals was one of his best, although the 179cm-midfielder says the entire season has been a highlight. "And all the games in Sydney I enjoy," he said.

Bird is still building his frame to deal with the rigours of AFL, and he said the step up to the highest level has not been an easy one. He admits, after 13 rounds, he's feeling the pinch.

"It is tough, especially senior football. You really have to be on your game. It is tough to get up each week and play – especially as a younger person.

"I think your body copes a bit better as you get older. It's definitely a tough effort to get up each week and play."

While readers peruse this article, Bird will probably be catching some waves back home in Nelson Bay (220km north of Sydney) and catching up with friends and family. Then it's a return to training on Sunday ahead of the blockbuster with the Magpies.

"The break probably has come at a good time. I found it a bit hard at times to get up and play each week, especially at this level," said the AIS-AFL academy graduate.

"It takes it out of you each week. You really have to be on top of your recovery with ice baths and whatnot. It's not about how you train each week, the couple of days after each game are really important."

Bird arrived at the club a year ago and played seven games in the premiership winning reserves side of 2007, including bagging three goals in the grand final.

This season he's injected another dimension to the Swans midfield with his enthusiasm, tackling and the odd goal.

He's not the only young gun to make a mark in the Harbour City this season, with Keiren Jack, Jarred Moore and Ed Barlow also taking the step up.

Reserve team players such as ruckman Daniel Currie and big Irishman Brendan Murphy are also looking promising for next season.

More experienced Swan Amon Buchanan has relished the presence of Bird and the other youngsters this season, saying their contribution has been invaluable.

"I think there's been a few different things [this season]. Definitely the young blokes have stepped in and injected the team with something," the 25-year-old said.

"They've stepped up individually and overall, the players have played more consistently than what we were last year."

Having consolidated his position at the club already this season, Bird is now focussed on improvements in his own game.

"I've sort of been playing well in bits and pieces and I just want to put a couple of good games together and really contribute."