With Hawthorn goal-sneak Cyril Rioli already ruled out of this weekend’s clash with the Sydney Swans, you would think defender Nick Smith could surely breathe a sigh of relief.

But according to the 24-year-old, who takes on some of the competition’s most evasive small forwards each week, Rioli is just one of many dangerous bodies in the Hawks’ forward 50.

Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au this week, Smith said the Hawthorn small forwards play just as an important role as their celebrated big men.

“Hawthorn has a lot of blokes who go through (the forward line) like (Luke) Breust, who has kicked a lot of goals, and (Paul) Puopolo who has been playing some good footy,” Smith said.

“Jordan Lewis can also go forward and (Brendan) Whitecross as well. They really are a whole group of small or medium-sized guys who can go through there.”

Looking ahead to the weekend’s top-of-the-table clash, Smith said the key to getting on top of the Hawks’ goal-sneaks was understanding their game.

The defender said he had already been reviewing a variety of Hawks’ forwards in the lead up to Saturday afternoon’s huge clash at the SCG.

“You’ve got to make sure you concentrate the whole game,” he said.

“When you swap opponents you need to make sure you know what their strengths are and make sure you know what they are going to do.

“It’s just about adjusting and knowing who you’re playing on and understanding how they play.”

Of course, Smith won’t be alone in the defensive challenge this weekend.

Smith will line up as one of the Swans back six, who have proven to be the most miserly defensive group in the competition so far this season, having allowed just over 200 goals past them.

The Swans’ number 40 said the team’s defensive success this season has come down to effective team work.

“I think just playing with each other you learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses and you feel more comfortable with the guys around you,” he said.

“I think the back six has been good, but the whole side has a big influence on how well we do and how well the ball is coming out of our forward line.

“I also think we’re helping each other out a lot more.”

Among that group of six are Ted Richards and Heath Grundy, who Smith rates as two of the competition’s best defenders.

“Both Teddy and Reg (Grundy) have been really good this year,” he said.

“Reg was a bit quiet through the middle of the season but he’s come on really strong and has been playing some really good footy.

“Teddy has been super consistent all year and hopefully he gets a gig in the All-Australian side.”

With just two games remaining for the season, Smith said the Swans performance over the next fortnight will give them a good measure of how the team is placed ahead of this year’s finals’ series.

“I reckon it’s really good playing good sides coming into the finals because it gives you an indication of what it’s going to be like,” he said.

“We’re going to have to play good footy in the next couple of weeks and then after that as well, so it’s a good sort of dress rehearsal.”