SYDNEY'S remarkable run of nine straight finals appearances, eight of them under John Longmire, is over.
FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game
While that's hardly breaking news with the Swans sitting 15th on the ladder with five games remaining, three games and percentage out of the eight, hearing co-captain Josh Kennedy admit that he'll be an onlooker in September brings the club's position into sharper focus.
The three-time club champion has never missed the finals at Sydney after arriving from Hawthorn for the 2010 season under Paul Roos.
Season 2019 has been a struggle for Josh Kennedy and the Swans. Picture: AFL Photos
"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a different situation," he said on Thursday.
"It's the first time since I've been here that finals are really unlikely.
"But it's a different challenge, and it's really important for the next five weeks that we play really good football, get better every week, and finish the year with some momentum to take forward."
Swans veterans Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack appear unlikely to be part of the club's future plans, with the former co-captains out of contract and currently out of the senior side.
McVeigh, 34, has played just five games this season because of quad and hamstring injuries, and most recently strained his calf in his comeback game in the reserves.
Jack, 32, has battled hip issues and poor form and has been dropped on multiple occasions this season, the last of which came after Sydney's loss to Carlton in round 17.
Kennedy said a decision on two of the Swans' favourite sons would be made later in the season, but both remain a crucial part of the club.
"For 'Macca', his focus is trying to get his body right and play out the year, he certainly hasn't put his cue in the rack," he said.
"Footy can be pretty cruel sometimes, but he's someone that has more resilience than most people I've come across, and he takes it in his stride and gets on with it.
FULL INJURY LIST Who's ruled out and who's a test?
"Kieren is much the same, although he's not injured.
"Judging by the work he's doing behind the scenes to get up for games and make sure he plays well, whether it's in the seniors or the reserves, you know that he's pretty keen to still have an impact.
"That means on the field as well as off it with our younger players."
It's really important for the next five weeks that we play really good football, get better every week, and finish the year with some momentum - Josh Kennedy
The Swans have fielded a youthful side in 2019 with McVeigh, Jack, and fellow experienced players Nick Smith (hamstring) and Heath Grundy (retired) having little impact on the season.
Kennedy said the year has been challenging for the Swans, but he's excited by the amount of games his younger teammates are getting.
Sunday's clash with ladder leaders Geelong at the SCG looms as another stiff test for the Swans, but the skipper believes there's no better teaching aid than competing against the competition's best.
"I think in anything you do, the best way to learn is through hands-on experience," he said.
"Geelong has class all over the park so it's going to be a big task, and they're on top for a reason.
"For us it's about wanting to be the best in the competition, so what a great challenge it is for us to go head to head with them."
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