LEIGH 'Lethal' Matthews' 'protected species' comments in the lead up to the Swans' 17-point win over the Lions last Saturday have been brushed off by Swans champ Adam Goodes.

Lions coach Matthews pepped up the pre-match banter with a jocular dig at Goodes' successful defence of a round-two striking charge against Port Adelaide.

“I didn't read it actually. I only heard about it through other people so I thought it was a bit of tongue in cheek,” the dual Brownlow medallist said on Tuesday.

“Over the last four or five years I've given away more free kicks than I've gotten so I don't know if I'm protected in any respect by the umpires.

“No, look, I saw the comments as a bit tongue in cheek.”

Goodes however was happy to talk up the win over Matthews' side, particularly the excellent first quarter which saw the Swans open up a 13-point lead. And advantage they largely maintained until the final siren.

“I think the energy and excitement, especially the first quarter, was something we really wanted to work on on the weekend.

“It was good to run around and get a few kicks and I was really happy with the result.”

Goodes ended with a handy 26 disposals at a soggy Gabba, an even split between kicks and handballs.

Sydney how have a 2-1 record ahead of their blockbuster with West Coast at ANZ Stadium this weekend, and Goodes anticipates another worthy chapter in the history between the two clubs, which includes the thrilling 2005 and 2006 Grand Finals.

“We've got a great rivalry because we both play one-on-one, hard contested football. And it does come down to every single contest in the game.

“And we'll be going into the game with confidence – there's no [Chris] Judd, no [Ben] Cousins, but they have some terrific young players such as Matt Priddis and Chad Fletcher. I think they have really stepped up this year into more (of a) leadership role.”

Outstanding ruckman Dean Cox has been on crutches following the Eagles' loss to arch rivals Fremantle last weekend and is touch and go to play, according to West Coast.

Goodes nevertheless is hoping Cox does play as he said he enjoys lining up against a full-strength West Coast.

The Swans' on-baller added that the longer rest period in the off-season due to the early finals exit in 2007 coupled with a superb start to the season by a clutch of the club's younger players has reinvigorated the list.

“We've got the three Bs – Bird, Bevan, Barlow and others like Kieren Jack who give you a buzz when they play.”

Ed Barlow in particular looked the goods again against the Lions on the weekend. One particular piece of play caught the eye when he skilfully sidestepped two Lions defenders before spearing a pinpoint pass onto the chest of Barry Hall.

“There are not too many similarities but maybe he's the same height,” Goodes said with a smile when quizzed on whether the boy from Bega was the new Goodes.

“He's a lot more athletic than I am and he has a bigger engine than I have. When Ed realises he can run around on the paddock hopefully he can feel that no-one can stop him because I think maybe it's (only) confidence that can hold him back.

“These younger guys are bringing that enthusiasm, passion and excitement. It's the freshest we've looked at this time of the year,” Goodes said.

The Swans star also commented on the hot topic of a second team in the Harbour City. With AFL boss Andrew Demetriou in town to explain the governing body's plans for a team in the west of Sydney, Goodes gave cautious support for the idea.

“I don't know about if there's enough support, but it'll be fantastic for the AFL and AFL in NSW.”

He wasn't willing to put a time frame on when it would happen though.

“Whenever it happens it'll be a good for the AFL,” he said.