And at just 23, Heeney knows he has to show the way back to success for his many inexperienced Sydney Swans teammates this season as they try to rebound from a forgettable 2019.

Heeney has played 102 AFL matches for Sydney since debuting in 2015.

It ranks him ninth in games played for the 2020 Swans squad, which is rebuilding after a 15th-placed finish last season.

For Heeney, that was new territory.

The Swans had played finals every year, including the grand final in 2016, since the former Cardiff Hawk started his AFL career.

"I was lucky to have such amazingly experienced people around me at that time and they were able to show me the ropes," Heeney said of his first years in the AFL.

"Now it's a matter of passing that on to the younger fellas in the group, and we seem to have a fair few of them at the moment.

"It has been a bit of a change and last year ... I guess I've never been used to losing, so it was a bit of a shock to the system.

"But I believe we have a squad that can turn things around pretty quickly and do something pretty special in the next few years."

And Heeney believes he can play a key role in a revival.

"It's funny. I think of it as that I'm only 23, but I've played over 100 games, and compared to the rest of the list, I'd be in the top 10 for experience out of 45 lads," he said.

"I've probably got to mature a little quicker than I probably thought and really drive those younger fellas to get the best out of themselves."

Heeney was back close to where it all began on Tuesday when helping out in a Swans community camp and Hunter Academy of Sport training session at Tulkaba Park, Teralba.

A thumb injury from a training accident restricted his involvement but he was confident of being back in action soon after a positive report from his surgeon.

Heeney had an operation on his broken thumb in late January and he hopes to take part in the Swans' Marsh Community Series match on March 9 in Hobart against North Melbourne.

He said the break was healing well and he would be fit for round one of the season proper.

"I spoke to the surgeon today and got some good news," he said. "He's really happy with it and I'll aim for the last Marsh game and hopefully play in that.

"If it all goes to plan, I'll play in that. If not, I'll obviously get it right for round one."

When he does play, the versatile Heeney, who has kicked 105 career goals, is expected to play more as a forward.

"I've been trying to sort of slip into the midfield, but this year I think we've got a pretty solid midfield which is shaping up pretty well and I think my biggest influence could be down forward, but obviously it's depending on injuries and what happens," he said. "I think I'll probably play the majority up forward but anything can happen."