SYDNEY Swans co-captain Craig Bolton says that talk of the club entering the end of an era has revitalised the list ahead of the finals.
Bolton said that contrary to popular opinion the Swans still had plenty to look forward to, both this year and into the future.
"We've had a good core group of guys playing well but also some new, exciting young guys come through and it's exciting for the future of the Sydney Swans.
"I don't know when eras end there's never an exact date and time when it's ended, it's a natural progression."
Last week, Jarred Moore, 22, and Patrick Veszpremi, who turned 19 yesterday, lit up the SCG in the Swans' 61-point win over the Lions. The pair bagged four goals each with Moore racking up 22 disposals.
This year the Swans have also brought on young midfielders Kieren Jack, Craig Bird and Ed Barlow.
"We're in better shape this year," said Bolton. "We got to this stage last year and we were a little bit stale.
"We had the same sort of team which was hanging on to get through.
"Whereas this year, we've revitalised. We've got some exciting players as we saw on the weekend. So I think there is a little bit of a different mindset.
"You can't hold these blokes back. You've got these guys like Craig Bird, Jarred Moore and (Patrick) Veszpremi and they haven't played finals footy.
"To these guys, it's their first chance to put their toes in the water and have a crack on what is going to be a huge stage.
"I think it's really good and the older guys feed off that."
Veszpremi is no certainty to play with both Adam Goodes and Ryan O'Keefe in the frame to return to the 22 after missing last week's win over the Lions.
But coach Paul Roos says that irrespective of who is selected, the injection of youth has pervaded the mentality of the playing group.
"Regardless of who plays, Paddy is very much in the mix so that excitement carries over to the playing group and right into the games,” Roos said.
"So in a sense it doesn't matter who represents the team, it's a different feeling going into this finals series."
