SYDNEY Swans great Jude Bolton believes Gary Rohan will emerge and stamp himself as one of the most exciting players in the AFL in 2014.

Rohan returned to play five games in 2013 following the horrific broken leg he sustained in round four of the 2012 season.

He displayed his trademark speed in patches, but lacked the conditioning to impose himself on games.

It's a different story entering this year.

"Gary's a phenomenal talent. It was great to see him exposed to footy again last year. He's been around for a while, but he's really matured as a player," Bolton told AFL.com.au.

"Hopefully he can lock down a spot, because he's electrifying to watch."

With Rohan back in business, the Swans have a forward line the envy of every other club in the competition.

The Swans hit the jackpot when they acquired superstar forward Lance Franklin in the off-season to lead the club's attack, joining the likes of Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes and Sam Reid in a talent-laden forward line.

Bolton, who retired at the end of last season after winning two premierships in a stellar 325-game career, believes there may not be room for everyone.

"I don't know how they'll fit them all in when they're all up and going," Bolton said.

"But that's probably the nature of the game, not all blokes are going to be available at one time."

The Swans were playing catch up with a number of their players last season and it eventually took its toll in the club's 25-point preliminary final loss against Fremantle.

Bolton believes a healthy Alex Johnson and a born-again Lewis Jetta will provide the impetus for the Swans to return to the finals as genuine contenders once again.

"These are the sorts of guys that will really bolster the team. When lacking a bit of depth, at times, they (the Swans) need to have all those guys ready to play."

For the first time in 16 seasons, Bolton has not been on hand to guide his Swans teammates through a gruelling pre-season training campaign.

"It's a bit different. I guess I've got to get my head around it, but I'm not missing it at the moment," he said.

Nevertheless, when round one finally gets underway in March, Bolton is pretty certain his mind set would have changed.  

"It's something I'm going to miss for sure. The competitive nature of it is something I thrive on. I love running out and representing the club," he said.

Although he will not be running out on the field this season, Bolton will not be lost to football. He will combine a broadcast role with Channel 7 with work as a manager for agency Players Ink.

The importance of supporting a player throughout their career is something he views as critical.

"I love the fact that it's the mentorship of players and helping them in to their careers and helping them off the field as well," he said.

"It's something that the Swans did really well and it just feels like an extension to that.

"There's a lot of issues that blokes have to deal with while they're playing and hopefully we can help them in some way to make sure they're having great careers."

Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie