ISAAC Heeney deserves comparison to Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe, Sydney Swans teammate Dan Hannebery says.
In just his 11th AFL game, the 19-year-old booted four goals from 20 disposals and hauled in eight marks, playing a significant role in the Swans' 97-point thrashing of St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
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"He's had a ripping first year and he takes an overhead mark as good as anyone, almost 'Fyfe-like'," Hannebery told AFL.com.au.
Asked whether he had seen a youngster make more of an impact in his first-year in the AFL, Hannebery was glowing in his praise.
"Maybe a Selwood or a Judd (performed better), but he's certainly had a ripping first year for someone who's just come into the system," Hannebery said.
"What it shows is that the academy system in Sydney is really strong and it helps you develop really good attributes when you're coming through.
"He's been outstanding for us this year."
Long-term the Swans view Heeney, who was regarded as one of the premier midfielders of last year's draft crop, as a permanent onballer.
Such was his potential, Melbourne offered its first-round draft selection (No.2 overall) for the Swans' academy prospect, forcing the Swans to swoop with their first-round pick (No.18) in last year's draft.
But coach John Longmire has been surprised as to how well he has taken to playing predominantly as a marking forward.
"We knew he was a good mark but we probably underestimated how good a mark he was, particularly at senior level," Longmire said. "He's so clean above his head."
"When he's out of position as a forward he brings the ball to ground. He's very courageous and he's a great competitor.
"He played all of his junior footy as a midfielder and he'll play a lot of his footy for us as a midfielder, no doubt, but that option for us as a forward now has been important."
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Heeney earned the round three nomination for the NAB Rising Star Award and looked to be the early favourite for the prestigious gong before injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Melbourne in round six.
Had the teenager not been sidelined until round 17 before returning through the NEAFL with three games, Heeney would have likely pushed Patrick Cripps and Jesse Hogan in the race for this year's Rising Star award.
