Richmond's Sam Banks has gone from strength to strength in his new role across half-back in the absence of premiership rebounder Jayden Short.
Banks has been building into his career at the Tigers since being drafted with Pick 29 in the 2021 National Draft, putting together 32 games to date.
But the 22-year-old, who has been utilised in multiple positions over the past three years, has "found his niche" in the defensive set-up.
The past month has yielded an impressive average of 26.5 disposals, 6.5 marks, 4.5 rebound 50s, 5 score involvements and 4 inside 50s, with his form catching the eye of his coach. In that span, Short has been missing with a calf issue.
"He's been really impressive," Richmond coach Adem Yze said.
"We've moved him around a little bit, too. He's played wing, but he's found his niche.
"Obviously unfortunate that (Jayden) Short has gone out, but Banksy has been able to slot into half back. He played it as a kid, and he's doing it really well.
"A lot of our first-year players are getting a lot of the media attention, but Bansky has played 30 games, and he's still finding his way.
"We're loving his progression. We're loving that group of players that have been drafted around the same time, and they're driving a standard footy club. So Banksy is slowly becoming a leader around the club, and we're really proud of him."
The Tigers are kicking themselves after narrowly losing to GWS over the weekend, despite holding a 28-point lead at the final change.
It follows honourable losses to Essendon and North Melbourne in the previous weeks.
But the upcoming challenge against Sydney poses as another winnable contest, albeit against one of last year's grand finalists.
The Swans' fall from grace sees them sit 14th on the ladder with eight wins, and they are fresh off a 90-point thumping from Adelaide.
"We understand what's coming," Yze said.
"They obviously had the performance they had on the weekend, but we're planning for their best.
"But for a young group like us, we're more worried about how we play, not who we're playing."
Noah Balta is expected to take his place in the senior side on Saturday after missing last week due to the 10 pm curfew imposed following his assault charge.
Maurice Rioli, Judson Clarke, Tylar Young and Jacob Blight all performed strongly in the VFL and will be in the mix for selection.
