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Chad Warner has only played 62 AFL games but has stepped up as a Sydney Swans leader in the absence of stars Callum Mills, Luke Parker and Taylor Adams.
Chad Warner has taken it upon himself to fill the leadership void in Sydney's midfield - and the results are speaking for themselves as John Longmire's flag contenders seek to extend their winning start to the AFL season.
Warner has burst out of the blocks this year, tallying 53 disposals, nine clearances and four goals in the Swans' pair of wins over fellow flag hopefuls Melbourne and Collingwood.
The 22-year-old's stunning start alongside in-form teammate Isaac Heeney in the engine room has come with captain Callum Mills, former skipper Luke Parker and experienced recruit Taylor Adams all sidelined by injuries.
"One thing we've really worked on with having those other guys out is a lot more leadership from myself and Isaac," 62-game midfielder Warner told AAP.
"I obviously haven't played too many games but I've still played enough to some experience.
"We usually have Millsy organising a lot of stuff in the midfield, so Isaac and myself have had to step up a bit."
Warner starred with 26 disposals and an equal career-best three goals in last week's convincing 33-point win over the Magpies, in a sign of how damaging he can be in the front half of the ground.
"It's been nice to get on the end of a few," said Warner, who kicked 35 goals in 45 games across the previous two seasons.
"I've been doing a lot of off-season work on my forward craft and trying to be dangerous down there."
The Swans are flying on the back of their impressive early-season victories and will be hot favourites to extend the winning start when they host Essendon at the SCG on Saturday night.
But Warner is expecting a tough battle against the Bombers, pointing to the fact seven of the last eight meetings between the two sides have been decided by 10 points or less.
"We've got a long way to go and obviously those first two games were really good and we take a lot of confidence from them," Warner said.
"But you're not going to be a good team until you keep backing it up.
"We've always had close games against Essendon in the past, so it will be a good test."
Warner's younger brother Corey replaces Robbie Fox (calf) in the Sydney side to face Essendon, who have made four changes after a round-one win over Hawthorn.
Gun midfielder Darcy Parish headlines the inclusions alongside cult figure Sam Draper, Jayden Laverde and Nick Hind.
Zach Reid (hamstring), Matt Guelfi (calf) and Mason Redman (suspended) are unavailable, while Harry Jones has been dropped.
