Sydney coach Dean Cox says defender-turned forward Tom McCartin will be used where necessary on the ground.
In his opening two matches as the Swans' new mentor, Cox has utilised McCartin up forward in one of multiple positional switches under his instruction.
The 25-year-old's deployment in the front half is to help fill the void left by the absent Hayden McLean and Logan McDonald, while offering another versatile option for the club.
"Tommy started really well," Cox said.
"When you're talking about Harris Andrews and the like, who match up on him, you've just got to provide a contest.
"He goes back as well, that's the luxury of having Tom in the team at both ends.
"It'll be horses for courses as we go throughout the year ... throughout a game, whether he's starting back and I'll swing him forward or vice versa like tonight.
"He knows defensive systems, he knows the craft."
McCartin has kicked two goals in the opening weeks of the season, but was swung into defence in the final term to help resist control of the contest.
Sydney now slumps to 0-2 after losses to Hawthorn and Brisbane.
But despite the dark cloud parading above Cox and his side following a winless start to 2025, the Swans coach remained optimistic of his club's chances.
"One thing we're still aware of is when we play our best footy, we're as good as any team in the comp," Cox said.
"And we've shown that against two of the best teams in the comp. For us, we need to make sure we do it for longer.
"We've had periods where we've let ourselves down and little lapses through that that give momentum to the opposition.
"But I'm extremely confident of where this group can go in the short-term."
Sydney will attempt to record its first victory against Fremantle at Optus Stadium next Sunday in a crucial clash.
