Isaac Heeney confident Sydney can topple West Coast Eagles at the SCG on Sunday

Isaac Heeney is ‘100 per cent’ convinced the Swans can surge up the ladder in the second half of the season, but a four-quarter performance is a must against West Coast.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA — JUNE 01: Isaac Heeney of the Swans marks the ball during the round 11 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at GMHBA Stadium on June 01, 2019 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Isaac Heeney is “100 per cent” convinced the Swans can enjoy a significant surge up the ladder in the second half of the season but a four quarter performance is a must against West Coast Eagles in order to lay the platform.

And the 23-year-old believes Lance Franklin and milestone man Dane Rampe are figures the visitors won’t relish facing as John Longmire’s men look to turn valiant efforts into victories.

“We’ve played arguably the top two sides over the last couple of weeks and to a point been unlucky not to beat them,” Heeney told The Saturday Telegraph

“It’s a matter of bringing that last month’s effort, taking the confidence out of that and knowing we can get into West Coast and really take it up to them.

“But it’s a four-quarter performance. Nothing less will get us the win.”

As it stands, the Swans are sitting 12 points adrift of the eight. There’s a lot of work needed to close that gap but it’s not mission impossible according to Heeney.

Isaac Heeney says the Swans are building. Pic: Getty Images

“Yes, definitely,” Heeney said. “I 100 per cent believe we’re still a chance.

“I think we’re only three games off, it’s really not that far. We’re obviously going to need a good end to the year to be any chance, but definitely a realistic chance, especially playing the recent footy we have.”

One player who has caused West Coast headaches in recent clashes is Franklin. Last season’s meetings saw the forward enjoy 8.1 and 2.5 outings against the Crows.

Franklin has 14 goals from his seven outings this season, three in his last two.

“With a player like Buddy, it doesn’t take much to get back off the leash again and turn the game on its head,” Heeney said.

“But it’s good to see other people scoring as well, that there are other avenues to goal. It’s exciting for the future.”

Isaac Heeney, Tom Papley and Callum Mills with the beanies for the Big Freeze, raising funds and awareness to fight MND. The beanies will be available at the game on Sunday. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Sunday’s clash also brings up the 150-game milestone for Swans co-captain Rampe.

“He’s absolutely flying at the moment,” Heeney said.

“Super bloke, super football player and a serious leader. One game in AFL is a serious achievement let alone 150. “He is a bloke who’ll do anything for the club. He’s played some amazing football for us this year.”

The Swans finalised their team for tomorrow’s game last night, making two changes.

After some initial confusion surrounding Dan Menzel’s place, Robbie Fox and Will Hayward make way with Jackson Thurlow and James Rose coming in.

A calf strain has cost Hayward his spot while Rose will enjoy his first taste of senior action since round 15 against Richmond last season.