Sydney might have knocked off the ladder leaders on Friday night, but coach John Longmire still won't concede his side is a premiership contender in 2018.
The Swans managed to hold off West Coast by 15 points at the SCG despite not kicking a goal in the first or final quarters, but the team's sixth win in a row isn't enough for the coach to buy into any flag talk.
His players can use next week's bye to freshen up and attack the second half of the season, but Longmire noted Richmond will be waiting for them after the break, with the Thursday night clash at Etihad Stadium set to be one of the biggest games of the year.
Longmire said speculation about contenders at this stage of the season is for those outside the club to worry about.
“It (that commentary) doesn't sit with me because it doesn’t mean anything," he said.
"Three weeks ago, nothing was said, and it won’t matter what is said now, because we know we need to go about our business every week and work hard.
"It’s as simple as that.
"We’ve got Richmond next up, last year’s premiers, so it doesn't get easier."
While the always-understated Sydney coach refused to fuel any media expectations of his team, Longmire did admit he's pleased with the form his players are in.
With young players like Oliver Florent, Ben Ronke and Tom McCartin impressive against the Eagles, and veterans Heath Grundy, Josh Kennedy and Nick Smith equally important, the Swans have a nice mix of youth and experience in their 22.
The Swans could also regain Sam Reid (quad) and Lewis Melican (hamstring) from injury in the next fortnight, adding even more strength to their squad.
"That’s probably the same with every team, every team would be saying that," Longmire said.
"But we’ve managed to find a way to win a number of times, and we’ve had a pretty even contribution from our squad - not just our boys in the seniors but the reserves as well - and that’s important.
"There might be a couple of blokes back after the bye hopefully, but we know there’s swings and roundabouts with that as well."
