Sydney has no choice but to "get on with" life without Errol Gulden for the interim as the star midfielder recovers from a fractured ankle.
In the lead up to Friday's Opening Round clash with Hawthorn, the Swans had one final tune-up against Gold Coast last week.
Swans forward Will Hayward admitted that given the proximity of the pre-season clash to the start of the season, admitting it's "hard to run around and not feel you're running on egg shells with the real stuff starting a week later".
New coach Dean Cox will have the majority of his playing list at his disposal for his first game in charge, but will need to figure out how to fill the Gulden-sized void.
"Personally, it's obviously you go 'Oh no' for a bit - not shy away from the fact he's one of the best players in the competition. It's a big hit for us," Hayward said on Monday at the Opening Round launch.
"But it was a football injury. These things happen. We wrap our arms around him, and he's as professional as they come. He'll do everything he can to get back.
"But other than that, we can't change it. We've just got to get on with it.
"And we've got some really good young players and guys that are fighting for a spot that are ready to come in and play footy."
Gulden underwent surgery on Sunday and will remain in a cast for the next two weeks, and will meet the surgeon in five weeks to determine a return date.
Hayward did not doubt that his close mate would return bigger and better.
"He's out of surgery. I think once that's all done, it's all sunk in now, he's in touch with reality," Hayward added.
"He's super-professional, so he's already turning his mind to what he can do to get back and help the team.
"But he's a great leader of our football club as well. So he'll be having an impact without stepping on the field."
The Swans will look at a host of youngsters to step up in the absence of Gulden, while a collective effort to hold down the fort whilst captain Callum Mills is on the sidelines will also be needed in the early stages of the year.
Hayward's teammate and midfielder James Rowbottom spoke to ZeroHanger on Monday and floated Angus Sheldrick as an option Cox could look at.
"We've got a lot of boys who'll take that opportunity with both hands," Rowbottom said.
"'Gus' (Angus Sheldrick) had another great pre-season and he's raring to go. He's played a lot of good footy and finally got a good run at it with his body, which has been an issue for him."
Half-forward Corey Warner, who recently penned a two-year extension, is also in the mix for Friday's clash.
Mature-age pick Riley Bice should also be in the frame while a reshuffle of Braeden Campbell and Taylor Adams is the likely solution.
Ruckman Brodie Grundy is a test to feature against the Hawks after he sustained a knock to his knee at training.
Lively forward Tom Papley is also a test to feature on Friday night.
Veteran Harry Cunningham remains in a boot for his Lisfranc injury, with a target return of four to five weeks.
Robbie Fox will need another six weeks of rehab after sustaining a calf injury in the VFL on the weekend.
Logan McDonald is aiming a return to play after Round 3.
