SYDNEY'S key forward shortage could force the Swans into a new-look structure focused on speed and mobility when they take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, and star midfielder Luke Parker thinks it could work.
With their two best tall targets Lance Franklin (bruised heel) and Sam Reid (quad) both unavailable, and Callum Sinclair playing in the ruck to cover the absence of Sam Naismith (knee), the Swans' options are limited against the Cats.
Ruckman Darcy Cameron could come in to allow Sinclair more time inside 50, and while Tom McCartin is a competitive and developing talent, the 18-year-old likely needs more time in the NEAFL before he's tested at senior level.
Aliir Aliir, who was tried forward against the Western Bulldogs in round five, is more suited to a key defensive role.
A fast Sydney forward line where the likes of Tom Papley, Gary Rohan, Will Hayward and Kieren Jack could worry Geelong's backline, with Parker and Isaac Heeney both capable of causing headaches with their overhead marking ability as permanent forwards.
Ben Ronke is another Swan in the mix with his pace, and the rookie could be called upon to debut at the Cattery.
"It depends if the coaches want to go for a different look and be a little bit more unpredictable," Parker said on Thursday.
"We have a forward line that we know is pretty quick and can put a lot of pressure on the opposition.
"The main thing is if we can get it in there and get it deep, we can lock it in there, and a lot of our scores have come from repeat entries and turnovers, and our pressure."
Parker and his fellow midfielders were dominated by Adelaide in last Friday night's disappointing loss at the SCG, with the home side losing the clearances 16-7 (5-2 in the centre bounces) in the opening term.
That allowed the Crows 13 scoring shots from 20 inside 50s in the first quarter, with elite ball-winners Parker and Josh Kennedy registering just two handballs apiece.
The reigning club champion said that if his side starts slowly against the likes of Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood and the rest of Geelong's midfield, the result won't be pretty.
"It's pretty obvious," Parker said with a grin.
"If we come with the mindset that we had on the weekend, we'll get smacked.
"They're one of the best midfields in the competition and there's probably no bigger test than playing down there against some of the stars of the game.
"We know the standard we need to set and at times this year we've been off in certain games, and if we're honest with ourselves, we haven't put together a four-quarter effort.
"We know it's about getting back to basics, and we've done it for a number of years.
"We have full faith in our system and our leaders and players, that we'll be able to turn it around."
