A starring member of the Sydney Swans’ latest NEAFL highlights reel is thriving on the challenge of joining the club’s running machines on the training deck.

Cody Hirst’s running prowess was on show as he crumbed and goaled in Sydney’s clash with the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday afternoon, a match resulting in a 28-point Swans loss in the Blacktown International Sportspark encounter.

Hirst swooped on a footy sent fizzing inside 50 during the opening quarter, before slotting a classy right-foot snap on the run from the right-forward pocket.

And the 19-year-old, whose speed and endurance are two of his strongest weapons, says he’s relished the chance to train with elite runners Isaac Heeney, George Hewett and Robbie Fox since landing at the Swans in May.

“It’s amazing training with those kinds of blokes and you see how hard they work,” Hirst told SwansTV.

“I’ve been trying to take on board any advice and tips. You see how hard everyone works and it’s not just Isaac, George and Robbie; it’s the whole group. Everyone has that drive to get better. Whatever I can take from my teammates adds to my game.”

Sydney signed Hirst and SANFL ruckman Michael Knoll at the first Mid-Season Rookie Draft in 26 years.

The two Swans have since featured in four NEAFL games each, with Hirst playing as a small forward and on a wing and collecting 12 disposals, six marks and a goal in Saturday’s game against the Suns.

Hirst had averaged 23.8 possessions over five NAB League games with the Eastern Ranges before switching to the Swans, and while he’s found the transition to AFL footy a testing task, he says he’s enjoying the new chapter.

“It’s definitely different – even with being around the club every day compared to a few nights of training a week in the NAB League. But I’m adjusting now,” Hirst said.

“Coming across I didn’t really know what to expect, and the step up has been big, but I’m really loving being an AFL footballer.”