One of Sydney's youngest guns, Luke Parker is stamping himself as a captain-in-waiting at the AFL club.
Parker earned more plaudits after he ensured Sydney go into Saturday's AFL grand final rematch against Hawthorn on a positive note, providing the inspiration, energy and big plays in Saturday's 43-point home victory over Geelong.
The 22-year-old midfielder was the third youngest member of the team, but he displayed the savvy and composure of a seasoned veteran as he did it all, notching career-bests in goals (5), kicks (20) and marks (11) and laying five tackles.
Parker proved a steal at No.40 in the 2010 draft and Swans coach John Longmire, who isn't renowned for lavishing praise on individuals, labelled him a "beauty."
"His will is enormous, he just makes himself become a good player and wills himself to the contest," Longmire said.
Rated "a gun" by Geelong coach Chris Scott, Parker is already a premiership player and best and fairest winner,
Promoted to the Swans leadership group this year, it's surely a matter of when, and not if, he ascends to the status of captain or co-captain.
Teammates recognise and relish his leadership.
"He was just doing all he could to try and will us along and he was able to do it," said swingman Sam Reid on Swans TV after the game.
"Parkesy leads from the front every week," added midfield colleague Tom Mitchell.
Parker insisted the Swans hadn't yet given much thought to avenging last year's crushing 64-point grand final loss to the Hawks but he made it clear they were up for the challenge.
"I think it's going to be really tight at the end of the year and if you can win these big games like last night and next week, then hopefully it puts you in good stead for the end of the season," Parker said on ABC Radio's Sunday Huddle.
Mitchell 21, the second youngest member of the team that vanquished Geelong, also had a career night.
Mitchell, who has battled to cement a place in the team, notched a career-high 33 disposals against the Cats and equalled his best top flight goalkicking effort with three majors.
It seems Mitchell has convinced his teammates and coaching staff he has added the defensive starch to his prolific possession-getting.
"He's been able to pick up on that massively over the pre-season and get that right," Parker said.
"Now with him coming in, we all have full trust that he's playing his role and he's going to put his head over it when he needs to.
"The main thing is we want to be the hardest two-way team. It's good to see the young boys are buying into it."
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