[5] He also travelled with his school to compete in a Sydney rugby league tournament and scored 5 tries in his team's grand final victory.

A highly rated junior player, he joined the Sydney Swans' Academy at the age of 12 years.

[9] Heeney later revealed he was the only student throughout his entire schooling that played Australian rules football and would have quit in favour of rugby league had the Swans' academy not existed.

[11] Heeney is also an avid fan of the National Rugby League, and supports the Sydney Roosters club.

[16] Following a 4-goal performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground in round 3, Heeney picked up an AFL Rising Star nomination as the Swans got off to an unbeaten start in the 2015 season.

[22] He had a breakout game in Round 4, kicking 4 important goals and collecting 18 disposals,[23] being named as one of Sydney's best on ground.

[29] After a fantastic start to the season, Heeney was considered a favourite for the Brownlow medal but was then controversially suspended.

[31] In any case, Buckley received widespread respect and acclaim for his act of sportsmanship for holding Heeney's hand to ensure his fall was safe, as Heeney was otherwise falling head-first and could have suffered a severe injury had Buckley not intervened.