Swans coach John Longmire believes the Western Bulldogs will be a “formidable” opponent ahead of Saturday’s clash at the SCG.

Playing with what Longmire described to the media on Monday as “passion and enthusiasm”, the Bulldogs (sixth on the ladder) are part of a five-way battle for second with three wins and a spring in their step under first-year-coach Luke Beveridge.

Longmire drew similarities to how Fremantle, the competition’s only undefeated side, was playing and the Dogs’ performances in the opening four rounds of the season.

“Their good players are playing well, they’ve got their defence structured really well, they’re well set up behind the ball and they’re also attacking with great passion and enthusiasm,” Longmire listed.

“And because they’re playing such a well-balanced game they’re seeing the results.”

Longmire was impressed with how the Bulldogs nullified Adelaide, the ladder leaders prior to the two clubs’ hit out at Etihad Stadium.

“It was a terrific effort,” he said. “To have a win the size they did shows they’ve got talented young players playing with the freedom and attack on the ball that’s allowing these results.”

Longmire was quizzed on the Swans’ slow start against Fremantle.

The Dockers established a 48-point lead at half-time which proved too great for the Swans to peg back despite a massive comeback.

It was the second time in four weeks the Swans were jumped in the opening stages of the game, reminiscent of the poor start against the Bombers in Round 1 at ANZ Stadium.

Longmire admitted it was on the coaching staff’s agenda to try and fix but was confident in the playing group’s ability to bounce back.

“We’re four games in, it has happened to us twice, we’d like to start better so we need to make sure we jump out of the blocks a bit better,” Longmire said.

“I’m confident that this playing group will be able to respond. A couple of weeks ago against Port Adelaide we did it very well.”

Isaac Heeney was the only injury concern stemming from Saturday night’s loss, with Longmire confirming the youngster suffered a minor knock to his ankle and his substitution was more tactical than forced with the coaching staff keen to inject Gary Rohan into the game.