John Longmire has no doubt his injured Sydney side will flaunt their full-throttle philosophy as they prepare for an opening-round date against Melbourne.
Captain Callum Mills, powerhouse veteran Luke Parker and experienced off-season recruit Taylor Adams will miss Thursday's blockbuster at the SCG.
Adams was the latest blow to the Swans' midfield after suffering a medial ligament strain in his left knee.
The former Collingwood star was caught under the weight of a tackle from the Brisbane Lions' Cam Rayner in last week's pre-season loss.
Adams will be sidelined for at least three weeks while Parker is expected to miss about a month of football after undergoing surgery on his broken arm, sustained also during a pre-season practice match.
The midfield carnage comes after Mills was ruled out for the first 10 weeks of the season with a shoulder injury.
"That's probably three of our most experienced mids out but that doesn't mean we haven't got the numbers to go through there," Longmire said on Tuesday.
"We feel like we've still got a good quality of players to go through that midfield group.
"They'll be young, but we're really confident in that midfield group."
Longmire could have a diamond in the rough in the form of fellow off-season recruit James Jordan.
The premiership Demons player is expected to make his debut against his former side after impressing in pre-season.
Jordan had 31 touches and four clearances against the Lions last Thursday, numbers rivalling those of powerhouse midfielder Errol Gulden (24 disposals, two clearances, one goal).
"He's been terrific. He's had a great pre-season," Longmire said.
"He's played a bit of footy and comes from a good system.
"Like all the players, we're all looking forward to putting the pre-season behind them and getting into the real stuff."
Asked whether securing bragging rights over their interstate rival adds another incentive, Longmire plays a straight bat.
"It's more about getting our season off. That's what's really important," he said.
"We've had some great games against Melbourne over the last few years.
"They're probably one of the most consistent teams over the last three years in the competition.
"So we look at them and understand what their strengths are but we can't forget ours either."
