Emerging Swans happy to be under radar

Emerging Swans Tom Mitchell and Jake Lloyd are happy to stay under the radar and let Sydney’s four established AFL midfield big guns draw the attention.

Mitchell, 23, and Lloyd, 22, are averaging career best 28 and 23 disposals per game respectively this season, adding further possession muscle to an already strong on-ball brigade.

Dan Hannebery (31 touches a game), Josh Kennedy (29) Luke Parker (26) and Kieren Jack (22) have helped the Swans lead the league in the all important contested possessions category.

All six men will be out for their share of the ball in Sunday’s SCG clash with Melbourne.

Lloyd’s third season is turning out to be his best yet, as he has found a niche as an outside runner to supplement the inside grunt of the big four.

“I feel a lot more comfortable out there now and a lot more confident in what I can do and my role in the team,” Lloyd told AAP.

“Just having that confidence out on the ground has helped my footy excel.

“Lewis Jetta left at the end of last year which opened up a bit more of a position up in the midfield and on the wing there, so it’s certainly helped me a little bit.

“If you speak to Tommy (Mitchell), we’re pretty happy to fly under the radar and let the big four go about their business and get their 30, 40 (disposals) each week.

“We’ll just do our jobs and if thats what helps us win games, then we’re happy to do that.”

The abolition of the substitute has been another bonus for Lloyd.

“My first year, and even last year, I played maybe half a dozen to ten games as a substitute,” Lloyd said.

“It’s obviously a difficult position to play, you sit down for three quarters and have to come on and perform.

“But certainly this year i know from speaking to a lot of younger guys, it’s good just to get out there and have an impact straight away and get yourself involved in the game, it makes it a lot easier.”

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