Blakey was particular in his acknowledgment of 22-year-old Jarred Moore, who has played every game this year and kicked nine goals – including three in the win over Port Adelaide last weekend.
"I think Jarred Moore is the one that’s really come to our forward line this year and established himself as a senior player," he said.
"We always questioned whether he had the endurance to run up and down the ground but certainly this year he’s taken that to another level and he’s doing it more than well. His pressure up the forward line and is ability to tackle is fantastic as well. He also sets up a lot of goals for us so he’s been a real bonus this year."
Another stand-out for the Swans has been 21-year-old Ed Barlow.
"Ed’s been terrific. He’s got remarkable fitness. He can run up and down the ground all day so he’s certainly added some run to our forward line," Blakey noted. “It is just unfortunate he has hurt his hamstring and missed the last few weeks. We look forward to having him back fit.”
The dual North Melbourne premiership player is responsible for the Sydney Swans forwards, and faced a tough challenge when Hall was suspended for seven matches after striking West Coast Eagle Brent Staker in round four.
Hall also broke his wrist in the same match.
Coupled with that, premiership forward Nick Davis has struggled with form this season and has shared time between the senior side and the reserves.
"Obviously it was a big loss for us because (Hall)'s such a great player for us and runs a lot of our set ups in our forward line," Blakey said. "But it made opportunities for other guys and other people had to step up.
"Henry Playfair has stepped in and is playing the tall target and a bit of the Barry Hall role."
Senior coach Paul Roos revealed on Tuesday that Davis is returning to senior contention after four weeks at the lower level, and Blakey added it was a hard decision to send him there in Hall's absence.
"It was difficult because we know he can kick goals," Blakey said. "And guys that you know who can regularly kick goals are hard to find. We know Davo can do that for us.
"But we play a certain way so I guess, unfortunately, his form just didn’t warrant him being selected. We’d love to have him back in the side doing what he does best."
And although Blakey admitted Hall’s return – expected in round 12 – will require its own management, he warned opposition teams about aggravating the powerful big man.
"He probably will get niggled and stirred but he’ll handle that in a professional manner,” Blakey said. "Barry’s been terrific since he’s been at the Swans. Unfortunately, the incident occurred but I couldn’t see it happening again.
"Barry’s very aware of his responsibilities to the club."
