Swans midfielder Craig Bird took some positive steps towards continuity during the Swans’ NEAFL curtain-raiser on Saturday.

Bird, coming back from a calf injury, played 50 minutes on managed game time to finish with 18 possessions in the Swans’ defeat to UWS Giants at Spotless Stadium.

Bird led the visitors’ charge in the opening half, leading the side’s stats in the first and second quarters before the medicos reined the premiership player’s work load back.

The 26-year-old, who has managed six senior games in 2015, spent about 70% of the match on the bench which would have been undoubtedly frustrating for Bird but necessary on the road back to full fitness.

Fellow midfielder Jordan Foote and Lewis Melican was also carefully managed throughout the match meaning only seven listed players shouldered the load alongside 11 ‘top-ups’ against the top-of-the-table Giants.

A lack of experience and the warm conditions eventually took its toll with the Swans, trailing by 32 points at half-time, managing just two goals to the Giants’ eight in the second half to go down 16.26 (122) to 6.6 (42).

Nic Newman took over the reins as the Swans’ major ball winner, touching the ball 29 time while Toby Nankervis also stood out with 17 possessions and combined well with Tom Derickx to win the ruck battle (37-26 hit outs).

The Swans take on Apsley in Brisbane on Saturday in the final round of the NEAFL home and away season. Finals are just around the corner and, as it stands, an elimination final against Sydney Uni beckons.

Bird will be considered for senior selection but more than likely spend another week at NEAFL level while George Hewett is expected back from concussion suffered in the Round 19 win against Gold Coast.