The Swans are finals certainties despite a 45-point loss to Collingwood on the weekend, with Carlton’s win over the Lions and St Kilda’s defeat of Adelaide confirming their spot in the eight.
But with Saturday’s defeat only the latest in a prolonged slump, the side desperately needs to find form. Coach Paul Roos said on Monday the next fortnight would be geared towards week one of the finals.
“We know [the Lions match] doesn't mean anything in terms of getting into the finals,” Roos said. “So we've got to take the opportunity to, if we need, rest some players and help us give it a real good crack the following week.”
Roos wasn’t about to divulge who might be omitted for Saturday’s game at the SCG.
"I think it's more a case of ‘can they benefit from a rest at this time of the year’,” he said.
“Sometimes one week off doesn't make much difference, but we're like most clubs at this time of the year, we've got players who are sore and tired.
"Saturday night is a chance for some guys to get in some form, some others to get a rest, some young guys to continue their development.
“We look at it as a two week period to get back to the style of footy needed to win in AFL today and get some energy and run back."
O'Loughlin, 31, tore ankle ligaments in the round 16 match against Carlton and has been on a strict physiotherapy program ever since, but Roos said he wanted the star forward to play.
“I haven't caught up with Mick today and the medical staff, but he ran a bit better last week,” Roos said.
"It seemed a lot more positive in terms of playing this week and we'd certainly like to give him a run this week, obviously if he's healthy."
As for Nick Malceski returning for the Lions game, Roos said his running defender was "a little out of sorts".
A calf injury has hampered Malceski over the last five weeks, although he played against Geelong two weeks ago.
"We thought we'd give him a couple of weeks of good, solid training,” Roos said.
“We'll see how he goes Tuesday and Thursday nights. He's an important player as he can run and carry the ball but there's no point playing him if he's still a little down on confidence."
Roos said he doubted if tall forward Henry Playfair (hamstring) would return this week.
