NICK Blakey has shown some promising signs in Sydney's match simulation work on Friday in what was the young forward's first taste of extended competitive action with the club.

Blakey, the Swans' prized Academy selection who was taken with pick No.10 at last year's NAB AFL Draft, has been eased into his work at the top level after an injury-riddled 2018 season. 

PLAY AFL FANTASY Make your team now

The rangy forward started out of the goalsquare at centre bounces in the intraclub hitout at Bat and Ball Oval in cool and windy conditions and matched up against veteran Heath Grundy and Lewis Melican at different stages.

He also showed off his athletic ability by roaming all over the ground during general play. 

CLUB LISTS COMPARED Oldest? Youngest? Most experienced?

Standing 195cm tall, Blakey will likely start his career as a third tall option inside 50 with a licence to follow the footy, and while he didn't get his hands on a lot of ball, his attack on the marking contest was impressive.

On multiple occasions Blakey looked out of position with the ball in the air, but with his vertical leap and longs arms his major assets, he launched himself at the contest. 

FUTURE PICKS Who you should barrack against in 2019

That sort of commitment to bring the ball to ground is reminiscent of teammate Tom McCartin, who earned himself 15 games in his debut season last year because of his competitiveness in the air.

His ability to bounce back to his feet and get back into the play to add pressure to the opposition was also an exciting part of Blakey's performance.

WHO'S LEFT YOUR CLUB? All the latest retirements and delistings

Umpires in control of the match robbed him of his best touch of the morning when his brilliant over the shoulder handball under pressure to a running teammate was pinged for a throw, much to the displeasure of the young Swan and father John, who was boundary side looking on in his role as head of development.

The Swans will look to increase Blakey's playing time over the next month ahead of the club's first JLT Community Series clash against Greater Western Sydney on March 2.