The Swans didn't have enough good players in their final practice game against Port Adelaide to win according to Michael O'Loughlin.

However, the full-forward believes there were several positives to come out of the five-point loss - mainly the fight-back in the third term.

"Our third quarter was a big positive as we moved the ball around, took it forward and took a few more risks," O'Loughlin told sydneyswans.com.au of Friday night's game.

"We were pretty slack in the first half and were 28 points down (just before halftime) so to come from a few goals down and get back into the lead at one stage was pleasing.

"Of the young guys I thought Matty Laidlaw did some great things when he came on, and gave us a lift there at one stage and Simon Phillips once again was impressive.

"Of the older guys I think Goodesy (Adam Goodes) was ok, Kirky (Brett Kirk) is always solid but there were not many good players.

"There was enough for the fight-back and to hit the lead, but as we always say if we haven't got enough we won't win."

While there were no premiership points at stake, the Swans wanted a victory as they prepare for the season opener against West Coast.

"We desperately wanted to win the game but Port came to play footy, they came prepared to play and I think a few of us didn't take that onboard," he reflected.

"There were probably only a handful of guys who turned up to go to work and the rest of us didn't.

"I don't know why. It was just a mindset thing, a mental thing, and we better get over it quickly because we are taking on the reigning premiers next week."

The focus now shifts to the final fortnight of training for the players and coaching staff.

"We are desperate to win the first couple of games and there is no secret about that," O'Loughlin added.

"Everyone knows we have started off pretty slack in the last few years and we have really struggled so now all our attention is about this first game coming up.

"We have two weeks of training to go and I know they will be pretty solid so we are really looking forward to playing the first game."