SYDNEY has slipped two games outside the top eight but coach John Longmire hasn't given up hope of making a late charge to the finals.
The Swans are the only club to have made the finals every year since 2010 and Longmire is keen to keep their proud record intact, despite suffering a 10-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Saturday to give them a 6-9 record.
Their coach conceded they were "flat and disappointed" about the result but believes all is not lost for 2019.
Jordan Dawson takes a courageous mark in front of Shaun McKernan. Picture: AFL Photos
"Clearly we want to keep making finals. We might be the only team the last decade or so that's been able to do it," Longmire told reporters post-match.
"We want to keep doing it. That's what we're about. That's what every team's about. But we've still got to go forward as a team, and we feel like we're doing that.
"We're the youngest team for the round this weekend and we've got some positive signs with some players coming through that are building the foundations of a reasonably strong team.
BOMBERS EDGE SWANS Full match coverage and stats
"It's not going to go always upwards – there's going to be some plateaus and maybe even a step backwards – but there's still some good signs."
One of those developing Swans, usual key defender Aliir Aliir, fought admirably in the ruck in the absence of the injured Callum Sinclair, winning 17 possessions and 22 hitouts against the experienced Zac Clarke and support ruckman Shaun McKernan.
"Aliir, to be fair on him, we like him down back. He's had a good season down back. Circumstances just meant that we have to change it and he still does a good job for us. He hasn't played a lot in the ruck but he's been pretty good," Longmire said.
WATCH John Longmire's full post-match press conference
"To do it week in, week out against the biggest bodies like (Brodie) Grundy and (Max) Gawn, it can be quite taxing, but he adds that versatility … (and) gives you another midfielder at ground level."
Longmire was unsure how long Aliir would remain in the ruck, suggesting Darcy Cameron could overcome injury to return next week.
When it was suggested it would be a shame if Longmire wasn't at the Swans to capitalise on the talent of the club's promising youngsters, hinting at North Melbourne's interest in him, he refused to buy into the subject.
"Mate, we're not going down that path," Longmire said with a chuckle.
He then reiterated that he was committed to "developing the kids", whose progress might well determine how far Swans go this season.
