The Sydney Swans’ pre-season has lifted a gear after a mini practice match was squeezed into the Friday’s program.

For the first time this summer, the squad was divided into two groups and played two 10-minute halves during the open session at Marrickville’s Henson Park.

Not even the rain could dampen the players’ energy and excitement for the hit out which saw the calibre of Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Tom Mitchell clash with youngsters Dan Robinson, Brandon Jack and Harry Cunningham through the midfield.

The game, officiated by assistant coaches Stuart Dew and John Blakey, was a sign of things to come with more coordinated matches planned for the coming weeks.

Dew told SwansTV before the session the coaches have had a tough time curbing the players’ competitiveness.

“As you get closer to the season, they naturally ramp it up and go a little bit harder,” Dew said.

“We’re constantly trying to pull them back a bit but you can only hold them back for so long.”

Lance Franklin was lively playing across half-forward with Xavier Richards for company, while Kurt Tippett and Callum Sinclair swapped between the ruck and forward line to keep opposing big men Toby Nankervis and Tom Derickx guessing.

Rhyce Shaw even joined in, producing that familiar carry and dash as a top-up player.

Dew also noted Friday’s conditions again provided an opportunity for the group to get acquainted wet weather football.

In the wake of last week's terrential downpour the Swans have made the most of trying to polish their skills and decision making in the slippery and soggy conditions.

The official and highly anticipated intra-club will be held at Henson Park on February 12, just one week before the Swans’ first match of the 2016 NAB Challenge.