A FRUSTRATED Dan Hannebery has hit back at critics who have written off his side's season, saying the Sydney Swans clearly have the self-belief that they can make the top four.

After another disappointing second half fade-out in their loss to Geelong last week, the Swans dropped to fifth on the ladder behind the surging Western Bulldogs.

It led some to suggest the Swans are no longer genuine fancies for the 2015 premiership.

One of this season's Brownlow Medal favourites, Hannebery was firm when asked if the team believed the double chance was still achievable with four rounds left in the season.

"Clearly. We're 4 per cent outside the four and on even points with the Bulldogs," Hannebery said.

"There's a massive belief knowing that our best can stand up, and we've shown this year that our best footy is good enough against the best teams, but we've also shown that we've had some really poor quarters and it's cost us.

"We've got to get moving but we certainly feel like there's enough time in these next four weeks to get ourselves up and going."

Coach John Longmire singled out the star-studded Swans' midfield for their poor performances in the side's loss to the Cats at Skilled Stadium.

It was a rare dark night for Hannebery, who managed just 19 possessions in the 32-point defeat, especially given that he averages more than 30 in 2015.

He wasn't alone, with Josh Kennedy the only member of the Swans on-ball division to hold his own against Geelong, and Hannebery said the midfielders realised that they had let the side down.

"We think that (in) something we pride ourselves on – contested footy – they absolutely smashed us," Hannebery said.

"Geelong are a quality side and have been for a number of years and they've got some sensational players in there that really showed us up.

"Clearly the Geelong players out-hunted us and out-worked us.

"We’re all disappointed like most of the group, we understand that we set the tone for the group and we need to make sure we're on top at different stages of the game, and we weren't able to do that on the weekend."

Friday night footy and a clash with Collingwood await the Swans this week, but Hannebery didn't believe that the team's season was on the line.

It's a short break between games for the Swans, but Hannebery said the match represented an ideal opportunity for the home side to get back on track quickly at the SCG.

"I wouldn't say it's urgent - it's a critical game for us this week but we've got time to work out those inconsistencies," Hannebery said.

"Their win/loss record probably doesn't really reflect the footy they've played.

"They've just come up short against Freo and the Hawks, and played some really good footy throughout the year.

"We know what we're up against. Obviously their midfield is a superstar midfield, so it's going to be a tough test.

Star forward Lance Franklin was a no-show at Swans' training at the SCG before media vacated the closed session as he continues to battle a back problem.

It leaves the three-time Coleman medallist as only an outside chance of taking on the Pies on Friday night.

Ruckman Mike Pyke (knee) and speedster Gary Rohan (hamstring) were among the main group, while Ben McGlynn (hamstring) completed some running drills with defender Jeremy Laidler.

If Pyke is passed fit, his inclusion would allow coach John Longmire to use Kurt Tippett more as a permanent forward, which would give them more potency in attack, especially if Franklin is ruled out.

Rohan's defensive pressure has been missed by the Swans, but given he's missed the past five games he's likely to be bought back through the NEAFL so the Swans can manage his game time.

McGlynn pulled out of the side on match day last week with more hamstring tightness, so the quick turnaround could hurt his chances of a call up.