That mantle has been handed over to the new crop of rookies, which includes Victorian-raised Tom Papley.

The pair visited the region on Tuesday as part of the annual Sydney Swans community camp and Heeney said he was not only looking forward to hunting a premiership from next month, but to graduating from that debutant group.

“The experience from last season was huge and has given me the confidence to know I can get out there and match it with those boys,” Heeney said.

“We have a top team and hopefully this year we can go deeper into September. 

“Secondly, you don’t get stitched up like the first year boys. They sort of cop the rough end of everything, so it’s good to be out of that.”

Heeney delivered the comment with his trademark smile and Papley just agreed with a laugh.

Papley hopes to follow in Heeney’s footsteps Heeney burst onto the scene last year after being the club’s No.1 draft pick at the end of 2014.

After originally aiming for just one game in the famed red and white uniform, the 19-year-old went on to kick 16 goals from 14 ­appearances, which included a dream debut in the opening round. 

“It was probably the most special moment of my life and career at the moment,” Heeney said.

“To not only come back from such a big deficit, we were down by 40 points or something, but to end up winning and to kick the ­sealer was an amazing experience.

“It’s something I will definitely cherish.”

The following 12 months has been a rollercoaster ride for Heeney.

He went down with a knee injury in the early rounds, recovered to reclaim his position in time for finals before he was struck with a coward punch while overseas during the off-season.

“Nothing like that is ideal,” Heeney said about the broken jaw, which required four plates and 16 screws.

“I came back, had surgery straight away and was back running within a week.  

“It has not affected me one bit. 

“My jaw is perfect now and, with the metal in there, it’s stronger than ever.”

Pre-season training has been the flavour of the last couple of months, with plenty of kilometres in the legs, but Heeney said it was a nice change of pace to get home and visit his old primary school at Black Hill.

“It was pretty special to go back to my old primary school and catch up with a few of my little cousins,” he said.

“The place has changed massively since I was there but a lot of the teachers were still there and the principal so that was a good moment to get back, say g’day and reminisce a bit.”

Heeney’s teammate Papley was along for the ride as well, on his maiden voyage to the Hunter after moving north from Victoria.

“It’s a bit different than down in Victoria because it’s not the main sport, but I always wanted to play for the Swans,” Papley said.

“My two grandfathers [Max Papley and Jeff Bray] played for South Melbourne [eventually Sydney], so I always went for the Swans and I dreamed of playing for them so I’m loving it so far.”

Papley has set his sights on continuing his contract beyond this season while Heeney said he wants to stamp himself as a regular starter once more and get into a midfield rotation with the likes of Kieran Jack and Luke Parker.

Pre-season competition for Sydney commences on February 20 against Port Adelaide before clashing with cross town rivals the Giants (March 4) and Carlton a week later. 

The Swans kick off their campaign against Collingwood at ANZ Stadium on Saturday, March 26.