Reigning Sydney club champion Kieren Jack is set to turn inside knowledge of the tagger's bag of tricks to his advantage, as he prepares to switch from the hunter to the hunted.

For most of his first three AFL seasons, Jack was employed in a tagging role, before adopting a more attack-minded attitude in his breakout 2010 season.

He kicked a career-best 21 goals, almost doubling his combined tally of the three previous years.

Opposing coaches are likely to pay more attention to nullifying him this year, but the 23-year-old midfielder is relishing the challenge.

"I look forward to it," Jack said.

"I think I like that one-on-one style of play, going head-to-head with someone and trying to work them hard and get them going the other way, so that's not going to change too much.

"I've been on the other end of it too, so I know what taggers don't like, so I might be able to employ a few tactics there.

"It will be good fun."

Jack was excited about the development of some of Sydney's youngsters, including sophomores Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan.

"Lewis Jetta had a good season last year, but now he knows what to expect and his pre-season form (he did) really well," Jack said.

"Also Gary Rohan, the flying redhead down back, he's really impressed and just his raw speed and ability is something I'm looking forward to seeing."

With defenders Nick Malceski and Tadhg Kennelly injured during the pre-season, Rohan has staked a strong claim for a round one spot in the back six.

Rohan can also play forward and Sydney coach John Longmire said he would continue to use the dashing youngster in different roles.

"He's got the ability to play at both ends, he's tall and he's lightning quick and he's a fierce competitor, all great attributes at either end of the ground," Longmire said.

"We've been playing him down back because we've got a spot there for him at the moment.

"He's done that very well and hopefully that's teaching him something as well."

Jack and Longmire are part of a strong NSW presence at the club.

Together with new co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, who like Jack is a product of Sydney's Pennant Hills club, they are all scions of NSW.

"I've been at this ground (the SCG) a lot as a youngster from the age of five, six years old, coming to watch the Swans," Mcveigh said.

"To be able to co-captain the club with Goodesy (Adam Goodes) is a great honour for myself."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP