The seventh-placed Swans are now two games and 20 percentage points clear of ninth-placed North Melbourne.
Only two losses by about 100 points, combined with the Kangaroos winning both their remaining games by similar margins, can dislodge the Swans from the top eight.
When asked if Saturday’s win had changed his assessment of the team’s capabilities in 2010, Roos said it allowed the match committee to “take a breather” and prepare the side for a likely elimination final.
“It doesn’t mean this game’s any less important or the Brisbane game’s any less important, but there may be decisions you make over the next two weeks for the benefit of the team for the first week of finals," Roos said.
“Having said that, given our injuries, there’s probably not a lot of changes you can make to the team anyway, but if someone is a little bit doubtful … you’re not going to take any risks.
“We’re certainly not going to play anyone if it is a 50-50 line-ball call, you don’t want to put anyone in jeopardy of missing three weeks rather than missing one week.”
Daniel Bradshaw was slated to return from his quad and knee injuries in Saturday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs but Roos said he was now hopeful the former Lion would be ready to play in the first week of the finals.
Regardless of the finals permutations, Saturday night’s game will mark Roos and Brett Kirk’s final games at the SCG.
The Swans coach said he was looking forward to the opportunity to thank the Sydney crowd for their support but his focus remained on achieving the best possible result at season’s end.
“If other people get emotional, it won’t be me getting emotional,” he said.
“There’s another two games and we’re now playing in finals. It’s an opportunity for Brett and I to thank the crowd, more than anything else.
“We’ve really enjoyed playing at this ground and we’ve really enjoyed the support we’ve got from the fans, but in terms of my feelings towards the game, it’s just another game.”
