SYDNEY Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh believes a lack of leadership was to blame for the club's disappointing second half fade-out against Richmond last week.
The Swans led by 32 points at half time but gave up 11 goals to three after the main break to lose to the Tigers by 18 points at the SCG.
The visitors kicked four goals in a row twice in the second half, plus the game's final three majors, and McVeigh says it was the experienced Swans who let the side down.
"We were really disappointed with the way we played, we have to help and educate the younger players in certain aspects of the game," McVeigh said.
"When teams do have a run on, it's up to us to lift the intensity and lift the effort.
"Those guys will follow when you do that because that’s why you're put in this position, and you have to do it in the big situations."
"As leaders we didn't do that on the weekend and we'll be pushing hard to play well this weekend.
"It really does come down to us winning that footy or halving a contest and making a stand out there, and saying that you're not going to accept it.
"You have to put a stop to it yourself, win a clearance, win a centre bounce, and get it going our way."
The Swans face a quick turnaround from last week's loss, when they host Port Adelaide on Thursday night, with the visitors buoyed by the return of big man Paddy Ryder.
The former Bomber has been missing from the Power side since round eight because of an Achilles strain, but should be fit to take on the Swans in tandem with No.1 ruckman Matthew Lobbe.
Mike Pyke is likely to return from a knee problem for the Swans to help combat the star pair, but with Kurt Tippett suspended, McVeigh says the Port duo poses a major threat.
"(Matthew) Lobbe and (Paddy) Ryder as a ruck combination can be one of the best in the competition, and when they slide forward too, but we'll back our guys in," McVeigh said.
"We know what they're about, they’ve been a bit up and down this year but we know they're a very, very good team.
"Their finals berth is on the line at the moment so they've got to keep winning, and we're fully aware of how hard it's going to be."
McVeigh admits the Swans' inconsistent form during games in 2015 is still a concern, especially with this year's premiership race one of the most open in years.
"We're all fighting for finals positions, but there's a lot of teams on the same amount of points, but there's a long way to go yet, and we'll see how it pans out," McVeigh said.
"Everyone's beating everyone so if you find yourself off just that little bit during a game, you find yourself getting beaten.
"You've got to play that four-quarter effort or you'll get beat."
