SWANS recruit Callum Sinclair believes Michael Talia’s one-on-one battles with Lance Franklin is setting the young defender up for a breakout season.

Sinclair says Talia was putting his hand up for a Round 1 berth in Sydney’s defence after competing strongly directly opposed to Franklin during the summer.

“Michael Talia has been training really well,” Sinclair told foxsports.com.au.

“He’s been getting the big jobs on Franklin and Sam Reid at training.

Round 18

“He’s been looking really, really fit.”

Looking fit, but also apprehensive at times, Sinclair said of his new housemate.

“He gets a lot more nervous about (playing on Franklin) than I do,” Sinclair laughed

“But he loves the opportunity and I think if he can play on Buddy at training it will only be good for his football.”

Michael Talia has been taking on Buddy Franklin at training. Picture: Frank Redward Source: News Corp Australia

Sinclair and Talia have more in common than a shared address.

Both were traded to the Swans in the off season, hoping to create new opportunities at a club Sinclair says is still very much in premiership contention.

And while Sinclair is set to battle it out with Kurt Tippett for the club’s No. 1 ruck position, Talia is helping to re-inforce the Swans’ ageing defence.

But Sinclair and Talia aren’t the only new blood at the club.

Callum Mills, Tom Papley, Tyrone Leonardis, Jordan Dawson, Sam Murray and Kyle Galloway were all drafted or rookie listed to the Swans at the end of last year.

“From what we’ve seen, the club has drafted really, really well,” Sinclair said.

“Callum Mills has obviously been spoken about a fair bit, but he’s good and will definitely be a player to check out.

“Tom Papley is really exciting and provides a lot of energy in the forward line.

“All the draftees are really different players but they’ve all stood out, it’s a great dynamic so far.”