Alastair Lynch says Sydney and GWS both have bright futures

TRIPLE premiership champion Alastair Lynch says next week’s elimination final at the SCG is too close to call but, regardless of the result, it’s not just the Giants that have a bright future.

TRIPLE premiership champion Alastair Lynch says next week’s elimination final at the SCG is too close to call but, regardless of the result, it’s not just the Giants that have a bright future.

Lynch said the Swans had the personnel to be a long-term success.

“Every time you think the Swans are gone they bounce back,” Lynch said.

“They looked exhausted five or six weeks ago. Their senior players looked cooked and you thought they’ve been brave but the season is over. On the weekend they put in another effort against the Hawks which almost got them into the top four but they’re playing finals again.

“Nothing surprises me about Sydney anymore.”

The Brisbane Lions legend said in the past it had been Lance Franklin, Josh ­Kennedy, Luke Parker and Dan Hannebery who had kept the team on the road to ­success. But now they had a young team that would keep them in the hunt for finals and premierships for years to come.

“The Swans are amazing,” Lynch said.

“I’m so impressed with Sydney and how their system stands up and evolves. Their young guys are starting to stand up and become very reliable.

“It’s been those experienced guys who have held them together. They still play a role but it’s not as pronounced.

“They nearly took the game away from Hawthorn when it looked like the talent gap was too big without Franklin and Parker.”

Sydney young gun Isaac Heeney. Picture: Phil Hillyard

While Buddy is still going strong at 31, Lynch could see another superstar on the horizon for Sydney in Isaac Heeney.

The Novocastrian continues to impress with his match-winning ability playing forward, in the ­middle and in defence.

“Heeney is very close to being a major star of the competition,” Lynch said.

“To have a successful team you need a couple of superstars and some good players around them.

“Heeney can be one of the two superstars for the next decade. You need those pillars.

“Every time I see him I think he is going to be an exciting player for a long time in this competition.”

While not a superstar, Lynch said the AFL’s best shut-down man, George Hewett, would keep Sydney in the premiership hunt for years to come.

“The jobs George Hewett does every week are first class” Lynch said.

“It’s system versus talent. Their ­future looks bright. They get Mills into the team again next year and Nick Blakey is a likely prospect.”

Originally published as Alastair Lynch says Sydney and GWS both have bright futures