What's in their favour? While not making them one of the AFL's "sexier" outfits, the Swans' renowned work ethic and discipline remain a huge asset, particularly defensively. Only the mighty Geelong conceded fewer points last year and, in 11 defeats, Sydney's greatest losing margin was just 38 points. A fitter spearhead in Barry Hall is a big bonus, as will be an injury-free Tadhg Kennelly, Leo Barry and Lewis Roberts-Thomson. And coach Paul Roos' record in getting the absolute best from his list is proven over a long period now.
What's not? There's a real sense that Sydney's best may be behind it, the Swans' dogged and dour style perhaps having been surpassed by the greater attacking capacity of the likes of the Cats. Sydney's linchpins remain the old firm of Brett Kirk, Adam Goodes, Ryan O'Keefe and co, and the pre-season loss to knee surgery of playmaker and 2007 best and fairest runner-up Nick Malceski is a potentially crushing blow. The Swans' ability to kick sufficiently high scores is questionable and there isn't a glut of new blood on the horizon.
Stepping into the spotlight? Senior additions to the line-up, Adelaide running defender Martin Mattner and Geelong key position player Henry Playfair look set to become pivotal parts of the Swans' 2008 push. Tall midfielder Ed Barlow made a big impression late last season and should be a regular this year, and another runner and newcomer, Craig Bird, has impressed pre-season and is highly rated enough to have inherited the No. 14 guernsey of Swans legends Paul Kelly and Bob Skilton.
In their wildest dreams? After injury problems in 2007, Sydney's famed durability kicks in again, Hall inparticular rediscovering his potent best. The Swans prove their usual ultra-competitive selves in the clinches, but discover a more attacking gear to take on the top contenders. In those circumstances, an era may not yet be ended.
The reality? Sydney will not go quietly, but the Swans no longer seem to have the capacity to grind opponents to a standstill as they did a couple of years back. Will always be hard to shrug, but can Sydney fire enough shots of its own rather than merely repel the opposition's?
ROBERT WALLS 11th Can the veterans led by Barry Hall, Brett Kirk, Leo Barry and Michael O'Loughlin hang on for another serious crack at a flag? I don't think so. The lemon is just about squeezed dry and with Nick Malceski already out for the year and young talent denied recent opportunity, expect the Swans to slide.
ROHAN CONNOLLY 10th Any Paul Roos-coached side won't be a pushover, but the Swans' mainstays are getting older and their hard, grinding style doesn't seem to have the cachet it did a couple of years ago. Sydney needs more strings to its bow quickly.
