Best 22 – round one
B: Nick Smith, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe
HB: Jake Lloyd, Aliir Aliir, Nic Newman
C: Callum Mills, Josh Kennedy, Harry Cunningham
HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Tom Papley
F: Gary Rohan, Lance Franklin, Will Hayward
Foll: Darcy Cameron, Luke Parker, Isaac Heeney
I/C: Zak Jones, George Hewett, Oliver Florent, Dean Towers
Emerg: Callum Sinclair, Lewis Melican, Robbie Fox, Ryley Stoddart
2017 best and fairest top three
1. Luke Parker
2. Lance Franklin/Jake Lloyd
3. Josh Kennedy
Injury list
Star midfielder Dan Hannebery (calf) and veteran Jarrad McVeigh (calf) will likely run out of time to prove their fitness ahead of the Swans' round one clash with West Coast in Perth, and won't be risked even if they can increase their training ahead of the match. Aliir Aliir (ankle) and Callum Sinclair (ankle) should be right to face the Eagles, with Sam Naismith (knee) Sydney's only long-term injury.
The big questions
Will they pull the trigger on Callum Mills?
Longmire has plenty of small defenders ready to play, so Mills can move into the midfield to continue his development and increase his influence on games. But will he do it?
Can Gary Rohan put it all together?
The speedster looks just about unbeatable when he's on fire but unfortunately it only happens once or twice a season. After a solid pre-season for the first time in years, Rohan must produce on a regular basis and give the Swans the 40-goal season they need from him.
Can Kieren Jack silence the doubters?
The critics came hard last year before Jack's hip issues were revealed, but they're still there waiting to pounce if the veteran starts this season quietly. He'll turn 31 this year but looks set for a big year if his JLT Community Series form is anything to go by.
Look for…
The Swans to go small. Naismith's absence will see coach John Longmire try Sinclair or Darcy Cameron as sole ruckmen, with Dean Towers and Aliir as back up. That will leave Franklin and Sam Reid as the only talls inside 50, surrounded by some fleet-footed smalls and a much more mobile side all over the ground.
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Who they play
The Swans have a dream draw in terms of travel with just one trip to Perth against the Eagles in round one, and no games in South Australia against the Crows or Port. They face Geelong, West Coast, Hawthorn and the Giants twice.
Fantasy cash cow
Nic Newman - $610,000. The defender averaged 97 Fantasy points in the JLT Community Series and finished with 129 against the Giants. The Swans love him using the footy with his quality left foot across half-back, and he'll only grow in confidence after playing 20 games in his debut season last year.
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Sudden impact
Ryley Stoddart and Matthew Ling (once fit) will be given an early opportunity to add speed to quality ball use to the team off a wing. Longmire has shown confidence in his draftees over the past few seasons and he will do it again this year. Stoddart could be a round one smoky.
It's crunch time for…
Darcy Cameron. The West Australian is 22 years old and has the perfect opportunity to grab the No.1 ruck role with Naismith injured, and Sinclair yet to prove himself in the position. He's young and athletic and has all the tools to have an immediate impact if he can have some luck with his body.
Pressure rating on the coach
Horse is free to roam. Longmire has never missed the finals in his seven seasons and that isn't likely to change in 2018.
The 2017 habit the Swans must kick…
The slow start. It was a remarkable effort to fight back and make the finals after starting the season with six straight losses last year, but it came back to bite them when it counted. The Swans will pick their best 22 fit players this year and that will be the difference.
The Swans will have a good year if…
Franklin gets some help on the scoreboard. The four-time Coleman medallist can be a one-man show at times, and while it works against the lower sides, he needs more assistance from the likes of Sam Reid, Tom Papley, Will Hayward and Gary Rohan. Franklin was the only Swan to boot more than 30 goals in 2017.
They're in trouble if…
The backline falters. The number one defence in the competition kept the Swans alive last year but with Heath Grundy (calf) and Jarrad McVeigh (calf) having some issues, a lot of responsibility rests with Dane Rampe, Jake Lloyd and Nick Smith, especially early in the season.
Pass mark
As perennial finalists the Swans don't accept making the top eight as a pass mark, and given the strength of their list, and the young talent coming through, they'll be targeting a top-four finish at the very least.
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish: Fifth
Player Ratings star
Skipper Josh Kennedy (fourth overall) is the highest ranked Swan with good reason. The star midfielder was remarkably consistent again in 2017, despite missing three games with injury. The 29-year-old was ranked in the top five for average clearances and contested possessions last year, and averaged 28.2 touches per game.
