SYDNEY Swans coach Paul Roos has hinted that Craig Bolton will play on the Brisbane Lions' outstanding spearhead Jonathan Brown when the Swans travel to the Gabba this Saturday.

“He's played on him before so he'll more than likely play on him. They've had some really good duels and both are really good players," Roos said on Tuesday.

“Bolts is a great defender and Jonathan's a fantastic forward so it should be a really good contest.”

Roos said that the Coleman Medal winner from last season was in for another stellar season after shrugging off injuries that blighted his earlier years.

“I think it's a bit early (in the season) but I think last season he averaged six goals a game in the second half of the season.

“I think the big thing now for players is just getting through the pre-season to give yourself a chance to play some good footy.

“Probably two or three seasons ago he (Brown) struggled with injuries but now his body seems very good. He's an elite athlete and he can train and that means he's going to be a very good player. I'd suggest he'd be in for another very good season.”

Roos said he was “obviously really pleased with the guys on the weekend”, when the Swans thrashed last season’s runners-up, Port Adelaide.

“The young guys really improved and that's what you want to see. I thought Craig Bird was really good, as were Ed Barlow, Heath Grundy and Kieren Jack until he got knocked out,” he said.

Roos also said Lewis Roberts-Thomson brought something different to the Swans' ruck ranks while Spida Everitt was on the sidelines with injury.

“Louie just changes the mix a bit. Sometimes that athletic, six four, five guy does some damage, plus he had a couple of shots at goal – one nice goal and one beautiful kick out of bounds on the full,” a smiling Roos said.

“He set up some goals and he really looks fit and up and going and that ruck combination is working really well.

Roos added that ruckman Darren Jolly's rolled ankle against Power on Sunday wasn’t cause for concern.

“They strapped it and he was able to go back on. He'll be no problems.”