Sydney Swans development coach Henry Playfair says he is relishing his role on the other side of the magnetic board.

The former Swans key forward, says while the new role has not been without its challenges, he is enjoying working with some of the Swans promising young brigade of players.

“It’s obviously very different, as a player you just sort of turn up and go to training and don’t have to think too much. As a coach there is plenty of preparation, tactical analysis and a lot of thought that goes into everything we do, so it’s using my brain as opposed to my body as such,” Playfair explained.

“It’s been really exciting with the big batch of young guys coming through. We have 17 guys in our development squad so there is a whole range of personalities and different levels of talent and stages they’re at in their careers, but it has been really exciting so far,“ he said.

Two young Swans’ Playfair will play a pivotal role in mentoring, are key position prospects Lewis Johnston and Sam Reid.

“Lewi has had a pretty good preseason and has come back in good touch. He’s worked really hard on his body work and his fitness as well.

“Just the fact he came back in such great nick set him off on the right foot. All the coaches got behind him and he’s really taken that and run with it. He’s improved all of his running, his run personal bests and his bodies getting a bit bigger. It’s his third year and we’re hoping he can step up and play some senior footy,” Playfair said.

Playfair said the Swans coaching staff were also hopeful of big things from athletic tall Reid, who has endured a frustrating run of injuries throughout the preseason.

“He was really exciting in the game he played last year, so once he gets up and running we’re hoping to see some big things from him as well.

“He’s working really hard at the moment and we’re hoping we might be able see him in the NAB Cup,” Playfair said.

See Playfair's update on all of the Swans development group players in his four-part chat with SwansTV.