But after the Swans' eight-point loss to St Kilda at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, Mattner says the club's back six needs to get the basics right before worrying about their attacking prowess.
The Saints' quick ball movement caught the Swans' defenders out of position several times during the game, leading to a bevy of simple goals for the visitors.
"That's something that hasn't happened in the past but that's something that's been happening last year and even this year," Mattner said.
"The four of us are there to play defence first and then run and use the ball, so we've just got to get back to the basics.
"The defence did some good things too, but there's still a lot to work on."
On a more positive note, all four of Mattner, Shaw, Malceski and Kennelly had an influence on the contest against the Saints, dispelling any doubt that the quartet could fit comfortably in the same team.
The contributions of Shaw (20 touches) after an interrupted pre-season and Kennelly (28 touches) upon his return from a year in Ireland were particularly meritorious.
Mattner, who crept forward for two goals in a role that pushed him further up the ground, said there were good signs from the new look Swans, who fielded six new players against St Kilda.
"I sort of expected that because [the new players have] been playing pretty well in the pre-season, so we expected them to play well and step up," he said.
"They've fitted in well over the last month of playing so everyone knew they were going to be pretty good."
However, Mattner said the game's many positives were all tainted by the bitter taste of defeat.
"We had so many opportunities in the last quarter and we didn't make the most of it," he said.
"There were some undisciplined acts and stuff like that, so it's cost us a bit. There were some good points but there were also some bad points out of the game."
