Sydney is the competition's most in-form side and the AFL ladder reflects that.
Sitting a game clear on top of the ladder with only one blemish to their name - ironically against a struggling Richmond team - the Swans will be pleased with their start to 2024.
But coach John Longmire isn't falling into the trap of becoming complacent.
Perhaps the craziest stat of the season is..
Sydney 8-1 (only loss to Richmond)
Richmond 1-8 (only win to Sydney)— Cench (AFLCentral) (@aflcentral2) May 13, 2024
With all parts of the ground firing on all cylinders, commentary surrounding the 2022 grand finalists claims they are the "most complete side" in the league despite 15 weeks remaining in the home and away season.
However, on Monday, Longmire said that ignoring external noise is crucial to prolonging the "edge" that's pivotal to success.
"Don't really pay any attention to (the external commentary)," Longmire said.
"Because it is about what we think internally and we know what we've got to keep working on our game.
"It's about making sure you keep backing it up.
"We'll try to get the balance right of reinforcing what we've been doing well but also to know there's thing we can improve on.
"There's always another challenge that will put you on edge and you need to be (on edge) every week to make sure we keep improving as a team."
"Our pressure is our number one."
Hear from Sydney Swans defender Lewis Melican who spoke about our Round 9 victory over Fremantle, the red and white support and the pressure the side brought. #Bloods pic.twitter.com/DWfQEA4hPr
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) May 11, 2024
With the Swans humming and little injury concern, regular faces have been forced into the VFL side, with club champion Luke Parker still in the reserves.
Parker was returning from a pre-season injury but has been kept in the twos for the past three weeks despite dominating the level.
"We'll see how it goes, we've been reasonably consistent through the midfield group so we'll see how it lines up," Longmire said.
"He wants to play senior footy, that's understandable, his attitude is terrific. Again, on the weekend he was superb with the way he went about it and how he's leading those younger players in the next tier down. He's getting even more respect from his teammates."
A BARREL from 65 to win it...?? 😮
Luke Parker made a bit of a statement in the VFL! pic.twitter.com/EPjQOu6kst
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 11, 2024
Left-footer Braeden Campbell was sent down to the VFL to find some touch while Peter Ladhams and Joel Hamling proved to be ready to go when called upon.
Captain Callum Mills has been flagged to return after the mid-season bye due to a calf injury that occurred during his recovery from a shoulder issue sustained in the pre-season.
Sydney are setting themselves for another "challenge" this week as they host Carlton at the SCG on Friday night.
The Swans will be without key defender Tom McCartin for the second consecutive week following a nasty bump in the Sydney Derby against GWS in Round 8 as it was reported he was still suffering from concussion symptoms.