WHEN the Swans run out for their opening NAB Cup clash against the Hawks in Launceston on Sunday they will do so without many of their big names.

Instead it will be the turn of the team’s youngest members to make an impression and push for a regular place in the team.

The Swans boast 10 new names for the 2008 season. While former Cat Henry Playfair is on the injury list, other new chums like former Crow Martin Mattner and young guns Craig Bird, Jesse White, Peter Faulks and Ryan Brabazon will be given an opportunity to show their worth in Tasmania.

Premiership star Ryan O’Keefe will be one of the few established names in the side this weekend.

And he said he was happy with the team’s new personnel. "It's good to inject a bit of freshness into the club," O'Keefe said.

"It gives the older blokes a spring in their step. Having 10 new faces brings enthusiasm and keeps us on our toes. I'm looking forward to this season, I really am."

O'Keefe agreed that the time had come to spice up Sydney's ageing list but remained confident the core group could still perform well in 2008.

"I think so. It is hard to get on top, it is also harder to stay on top.

"[Last year] was definitely a bit of a wake-up call and gives us things to improve on.

"We're going to go about our business quietly this year. We're not going to make a song and dance about finishing in the top four or this and that. We're just going to do our job and see how it pans out."

O'Keefe says while the club was accustomed to being written-off, they were optimistic of again being a factor at the tail end of the season.

"Nothing different I don't think," he said.

"We're going to have a real crack on Sunday ... and we'll make sure we've got our preparation right and get ready for round one."