Sydney Swans ruckman Michael Knoll is not even a month into his AFL experiment, but the former US college basketballer believes his ties with his followers is already beginning to click.

Knoll shouldered almost the entirety of the Swans’ ruck load as Sydney grinded out an eight-point win over the Canberra Demons on Saturday afternoon, joining forces with names like Kieren Jack, Robbie Fox and James Rowbottom in a flourishing midfield performance.

Match simulation at training has also seen Knoll hone his combinations with leading Sydney midfielders Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, George Hewett and Isaac Heeney.

“I really do feel like my chemistry with the midfield group has grown a lot,” Knoll told SwansTV.

“In the first week I was just thrown in without knowing a lot of the guys, but they’ve been learning about my ruck craft and I’ve been learning about where they want the ball. You can see from our clearances on the weekend that our chemistry is building, and things are just beginning to feel better out on the field.”

Knoll finished with 13 disposals and 39 hit-outs in the clash with the Demons in Canberra.

The Swans topped the Demons in inside 50s (64-43), with Fox (32 possessions, 12 tackles, one goal) and Rowbottom (31) Sydney’s major ball-winners.

Jack was also influential on his way to 23 touches, seven tackles and a goal in his first match since Sydney hosted Essendon in Round 8.

Knoll was full of praise for the performances of his followers in Saturday’s win over Canberra.

“It was a good opportunity for me to play predominantly in the ruck this week, and playing with Kieren Jack, Robbie Fox and James Rowbottom – all those players did really well,” Knoll said.

“Kieren Jack, especially – the leadership he brought to the team probably took us to another level as a NEAFL squad.”

Knoll and former Eastern Ranges speedster Cody Hirst were added to Sydney’s list via last month’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft, and the duo have since played three games in the NEAFL.