Young Swans being put to the sword: Hall

Apr 26, 2017 - 5:33 PM Former Sydney premiership captain Barry Hall says the winless Swans' youngsters have have been put to the sword and placed under pressure by injuries to many of their more senior players.

Champion forward Hall, the third-highest goalkicker in Swans history, says the big story in the AFL this year has been the teams that have dropped off rather than the ones the ones setting the pace.

Sydney and North Melbourne are both 0-5, with the Swans last on percentage.

Just one win above them are Hawthorn, the dominant club of the past decade, who lost their first four games of the season.

Sydney have already blooded six debutants this season with some of them doing well, while several of their more experienced stars have been performing below their best.

"The Sydney Swans, who are obviously close to my heart have dropped off, quite a bit,so they need to find some form," Hall, who captained the Swans to their first flag in 72 years in 2005, told AAP.

"When you have a few injuries and those older players aren't out there to lead them, it puts the younger players to the sword a little bit and puts a bit of pressure on them.

"The Swans are a good club and they won't be down for too much longer, I've got no qualms about them making a comeback."'

He expects the good times to continue for his last club, the Western Bulldogs, after they ended their 62-year premiership drought last season.

"They've really created something special there," Hall said.

"They've built a good list that's going to make it successful for the next five years, so the club is in a really good position at the moment."

Hall is enjoying mentoring and coaching the Gold Coast Suns key position players in a part-time capacity.

Outside football he is keeping busy as a Kleenex ambassador and is the 'Dadvocate' for Autism Awareness Australia for the month of April.

He is encouraging fathers with autistic children to talk more openly and share their experiences.

"Everyone wants to be a good dad and a good leader but sometimes pressure gets to you," Hall said.

"You just need to talk to someone about it, so we're creating an avenue with Autism Awareness Australia."

Source: AAP