The predominant storyline following the Sydney Swans in 2022 is the emergence of their young core led by the in-form Chad Warner.
The Swans, who finished the home and away season with a double chance for the first time since 2016, had a competition-high six players included in the AFL Players' Association's 22Under22 squad of 40 this year, including Warner, Nick Blakey, Tom McCartin, James Rowbottom, Justin McInerney and Errol Gulden.
However, premiership forward Sam Reid believes an older generation of Swans players still have an important role to play in their upcoming finals campaign.
"It still gets talked about that we are emerging and young, but this group's been playing together for a few years now," Reid said on RSN’s Breakfast Club.
"We had strong belief at the start of this year and it's good that we're starting to see some reward, but by no means is the challenge done yet, so the hard stuff starts now".
Reid emphasised the importance of Josh Kennedy to the squad despite his injury troubles, praising his leadership qualities off the field.
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"He's an absolute pro... he's putting every foot right to get himself to the point where, if he is called upon, he's ready," he said.
"Where he hasn't been playing he's still been involved heavily. He's come down to away trips and been sitting on the bench next to 'Horse' [John Longmire] almost as another coach out there."
When asked how important the senior core is in finals footy, Reid mentioned the importance of role players of all ages in successful sides.
"It does take 22 guys to be successful in finals footy; you can't have any passengers and you get found out if you do," he said.
Reid was also questioned about the prowess of Tom and Paddy McCartin in defence, praising their strength and talent.
"The 'bruise brothers' [Tom and Paddy] match up pretty well and compliment each other," he said.
"At the start of the year I think he [Paddy] and I were going for the same defensive spot and he blew me out of the water."
"It's been great having those guys flying."
The Swans will travel to the MCG to face Melbourne on Friday night for their qualifying final.
