SYDNEY Swans' co-captain Brett Kirk won't use injuries as an excuse as the Swans look to bounce back from a mini-slump against Fremantle on Saturday night.

Missing from the Swans at crucial times over the last few weeks has been Michael O'Loughlin, Adam Goodes, Henry Playfair, Nick Malceski and Leo Barry.

"We've been able to keep the list relatively healthy over the last few seasons. This year that has not been the case," said Kirk on Tuesday.

"But that's not an excuse for our performances over the last four to five weeks."

The Swans have won only once in their last five outings and face Geelong, Collingwood and the Lions after this weekend.

"Our destiny is in our own hands and that's the great thing about footy. We're still sitting fourth even though we're not playing like a side in fourth."

Kirk, 31, has called on his teammates to be more consistent over four quarters. The Swans won three quarters against the Bulldogs but their second quarter blowout let them down badly with the Dogs piling on eight goals to one. It laid the platform for their 16-point winning margin over the Swans.

"We know exactly where we're at and we'll have to change a few things. On the weekend we showed form in patches.

"But to be a good side in this competition you need to consistently produce week in week out," he said.

Kirk was over the moon with the inclusion of some younger players last weekend such as Ryan Brabazon, 21 and Patrick Veszpremi, 19, in their debut games, and Jesse White, 20 in his second game.

"You get that enthusiasm and they showed a lot on the weekend. There is a jump from the Canberra footy league that they played in. But they handled themselves well."

Adam Goodes is said to be close to selection this week as is defender Leo Barry. "We've just got to pick the best possible team we can and if they [the youngsters] are in the best team they should be there. They definitely gave us a lift on the weekend."