Richmond Tigers great Jack Riewoldt has suggested Isaac Heeney still doesn’t receive the plaudits he deserves in the AFL as he heads into a showdown with Nick Daicos this Friday. Heeney was electric for the Swans in the win over North Melbourne having kicked three goals and produced 24 disposals.
The midfielder is averaging 25.7 disposals a game for the side and has been involved in just about everything along the Swans’ way to the top of the table. Heeney will be up against Daicos this Friday when the Swans host Collingwood.
Richmond Tigers great Jack Riewoldt has claimed Isaac Heeney (pictured right) doesn’t get the praise he deserves because he doesn’t play for a Melbourne-based side as he prepares for a showdown with Nick Daicos (pictured left). (Images: Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
But Riewoldt feels Heeney is currently holding the mantle as the game’s most complete player. Speaking after the win against North Melbourne, the question was asked where Heeney sits on the current podium of players who are doing it all for their team.
And premiership-winner Riewoldt claimed Heeney could have even surpassed the likes of Daicos and Marcus Bontempeli, but doesn’t get the plaudits because he doesn’t play for a Melbourne-based side.
“I think he is the best whole ground player in the comp,” Riewoldt said. “I know that Dean Cox thinks he’s their best forward, I know he thinks he’s their best midfielder. I’ve got no doubt he could play down back if you need him to.
“At the moment they are using him and Chad Warner forward. I just think this man here, because he’s not in the Melbourne bubble, doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He’s a bona fide superstar.”
Collingwood are currently sitting 10th on the ladder and will be seeking a win against the Swans to get back into the eight. The Swans will look to continue their form and extend their lead at the top of the ladder over Fremantle.
Isaac Heeney (pictured) has been one of the stars of the 2026 season. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
(Daniel Pockett via Getty Images)Dean Cox frustrated after Swans performance
North Melbourne pushed the Swans all the way on Saturday afternoon with Sydney claiming the eight-point win. And coach Dean Cox wasn’t thrilled with the team’s defence throughout the contest.
“We weren’t able to defend the ground as well as we have,” Cox said. “We allowed that (transition) a little bit too often and gave them some looks. To their credit, they took that opportunity.
“From a coach’s perspective you understand you’re never going to get perfection in any area of your game, but you’ve got to be as balanced as you possibly can through your defence, your contest work and your attack. I suppose today we fluctuated between those three too often.”