Sydney Swans midfielder Tom Mitchell says if there are any positives to draw from Friday night’s loss to GWS, it’s the performance of first-year players Tom Papley and Jordan Dawson.

Dawson has shown many positive signs in the Swans’ first two NAB Challenge matches while an equally impressive Papley donned the red and white jumper for the first time in last weekend’s 34-point defeat at Drummoyne Oval.

Dawson produced the traits that earned him a spot on an AFL list, taking a couple of strong grabs on Friday night on top of his super goal, which came at crucial time in the match.

Papley didn’t take a backward step either, nailing his role as a small forward to pop up and kick two goals in a promising hit out first up.

Speaking after Monday’s training session, Mitchell was impressed with what he saw from the draftees.

“They have already shown how talented they are and both have worked really hard over the pre-season as well,” Mitchell said.

“It’s good to see those guys playing well.”

Friday night marked the second time the Swans have lost to the Giants in the pre-season and third loss overall to the cross-town rival.

Led by Steve Johnson’s three goals and a 23-disposal performance from Callan Ward, Mitchell says the Giants took advantage of the Swans’ poor work rate.

With one more game left of the NAB Challenge, the Swans have another chance ready themselves for their 2016 season opener against Collingwood at the SCG.

“It was obviously disappointing,” Mitchell said of the result.

“We probably didn’t bring our effort and intensity throughout the four quarters and GWS exposed us.

“But we had a really good hit out at training (on Monday) … we talked about things we needed to work on and what we can improve on to hopefully grab a win.

“(Carlton) has a new coach and I’m sure they’ll be raring to go as well, so we’ll be looking forward to a solid hit out heading into round one.”