Justin Longmuir says he agrees with Champion Data’s rating of ‘elite’ on small forward Sam Switkowski, saying he’s been nothing but impressed with the 25-year-old since Longmuir arrived at the Club.

Drafted at no.74 in 2017, Switwkoski has played 32 games in four seasons, missing the 2020 season due to a stress fracture in his back.

Longmuir said the AFL world will see Switkowski’s ability as long as he can play regular football.

“He’s elite and he’s really surprised me over my two years here,” Longmuir told SEN WA.

“I didn’t know a lot about Sam before I got here. The only thing holding him back from showing the rest of the footy world that he’s elite is his injuries and his body hasn’t allowed him to have that continuity.”

Both Champion Data and Longmuir highly rate Switkowski for his ability in the contest.

“I think the thing that bumps him up so highly is the fact that he never loses a one-on-one contest and that (is worth) a lot in the Champion Data ranking points,” Longmuir said.

“He’s a fantastic player, we just hope he gets to show the rest of the footy world what he’s made of.”

Sonny still leading

Switkowski was briefly used in the midfield late in the 2021 season but Longmuir said he will continue to play primarily as a small forward.

“He’s had a fantastic pre-season…he kicks goals, he’s scored in every game we’ve had in the pre-season,” Longmuir said.

“He puts a lot of pressure on, wins a lot of contests and he’s a player that makes his teammates better. He’s very exciting. Like I said, hopefully his body holds up and he can show the rest of the footy world what he’s got.”

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