YOUNG Sydney Swan Isaac Heeney has suffered through an April Fool's Day prank before being told he will make his AFL debut on Saturday against Essendon.

The Swans Academy product, who was taken with pick No. 18 at last year's NAB AFL Draft, was initially told on Wednesday that he had not been selected for the ANZ Stadium clash.

But co-captain Kieren Jack finally broke the good news to the 18-year-old later in the day.

He has been named in the side for the season opener after overcoming knee tendinitis and impressing coach John Longmire during the pre-season NAB Challenge. 

Heeney won the Harrison Medal as the best player in Division Two of the 2014 Under-18 Championships and was selected as an All Australian.