SYDNEY Swans coach John Longmire believes the next few weeks will demonstrate just how successful his AFL side can be in 2011.

With very little fanfare or attention, the Swans have settled comfortably inside the top eight, picking up five wins and a draw from their opening nine games to currently occupy sixth place.

Up next is a trip north to take on the Brisbane Lions, before a home game against Richmond and then to Etihad Stadium to face Carlton for the second time this season.

The Swans have some injury concerns, with Shane Mumford (knee) and Kieren Jack (ankle) to miss at least another week, but have used the opportunities to introduce a number of youngsters this season.

Lewis Johnston was their fifth debutant this year in last week's one-point win over North Melbourne and is likely to retain his place against the Lions.

Considering his unsettled line-up and the relative inexperience of his players, Longmire is pleased with their progress ahead of some crunch games.

"We've had some changes in our personnel, five debutants already, so I think it's exciting we've been able to win games of football and still be able to introduce some younger players into the team," he said on Monday.

"I'm really hopeful the supporters see that as a good sign that our younger group can be blooded and still making sure we're competitive.

"The next few weeks is going to really tell the tale of our season, there's no doubt about that.

"Hopefully we're on the right side of the ledger."

Small forward Trent Dennis-Lane is pushing hard for inclusion after some strong form for the reserves, while Jarred Moore, Jesse White and Brett Meredith are also close to senior selection.

But it will be hard to force a way into the Swans' backline.

Heath Grundy and Tadhg Kennelly led the way as the Swans kept the Kangaroos out in a frenetic last few minutes to seal the narrowest of victories at Etihad Stadium.

After kicking three goals in the opening 10 minutes of the match, the Roos managed just six more for the rest of the game.

Longmire anticipates another tough match against the Lions, who lost their first seven games before triumphing in their past two.

"Obviously with Jonathan Brown back they've changed in terms of their offensive ability, but I thought even before that they were having a real go," Longmire said.

"Their intent for most of the year's been really good and I thought they'd been playing well without getting a result.

"(Ash) McGrath kicked four on the weekend and (Simon) Black had plenty of the ball and Mitch Clark's been playing well also.

"I think they've been trying really hard and playing with good commitment through the year, but they're just starting to jell together more offensively.

"They kicked 15 goals on the weekend so there's no doubt about their ability to score."

Longmire expects ruckman Mark Seaby to take another step forward after playing his first full game of the season last week in place of Mumford.

Having starred in the fourth quarter against North Melbourne, Lewis Jetta could again be used as a substitute on Saturday night.

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