THE SYDNEY Swans' younger brigade commenced pre-season training on Thursday and coach John Longmire was keen to emphasise the enormous amount of work required if the club is to push closer to the top four in 2012.

The Swans again reached the finals in 2011, overcoming St Kilda in an elimination final before suffering a six-goal loss to Hawthorn the following week.

It was the third time in the last four years the Swans were knocked out at the semi-final stage and the club added some pieces in the off-season it hopes will help them take the next step forward.

Irishman Tommy Walsh, former Richmond and West Coast forward Mitch Morton and defender Tony Armstrong from Adelaide all came on board during AFL Trade Week, with the latter taking part in a 3km time trial at Sydney's Centennial Park on Thursday.

Morton didn't run as he battles a leg infection, while Walsh stood out after playing for Ireland in the International Rules Series.

All other first-, second- and third-year players on the list ran in the time trial, with the veterans to begin their pre-seasons over the next fortnight.

Leading into his second year as head coach, Longmire knows his club has a huge workload ahead if it is to challenge for the top four.

"It's pretty hard, I know they don't give out spots in preliminary finals on a plate," he said.

"It's really tough to play finals, let alone play in a preliminary final, and we know we've got to get better.

"We won twelve-and-a-half games last year, West Coast finished fourth and won 17, so it's a significant step you've got to make.

"It's not easy, everyone's trying to do it, and they don't hand it out.

"We know we've got a lot of work to do, but we feel like we're moving in the right direction and the players hopefully will have a really good appetite to improve."

Young rookie listed prospect Eugene Kruger again showed his running ability on Thursday, taking out the time trial for the second straight year.

Nathan Gordon, who has been promoted to the senior list after playing two games in 2011, finished second, ahead of the surprise packet, second year key defender Alex Johnson.

Dan Hannebery showed his natural athleticism, coming in fourth just a week after returning to the track following off-season shoulder surgery.

One player Longmire was keen to have in the group is Walsh, who is coming off a starring role for his native Ireland in its comprehensive victory in the International Rules Series against Australia.

The Swans' coaching staff is hoping the big-bodied Irishman, who spent two years on St Kilda's list without breaking into the senior side, can provide some help for centre half-forward Sam Reid.

"I watched Tommy in the Ireland series and was just sitting there hoping he didn't get injured most of the time," Longmire said.

"I thought he did really well, he competed well. He still hasn't played a game of league football yet and he has a lot of development to go, but that's the exciting thing.

"We think he's got some really good improvement in him, even though there's some good signs at the moment."

Longmire was also asked about the looming inclusion of GWS into the competition next year, with the Swans to meet the Giants in round one.

"It's great for the code if you consider now there's going to be AFL talked about a lot more in this competitive environment in Sydney," he said.

"No doubt as we build up to the season there will be more talk about it, which I think is great for the game.

"But right here, right now, we're worried about preparing for our pre-season."

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the AFL or the clubs