Sydney defender Nick Blakey says he is embracing his new role in the Swans' backline this season. 

With Tom McCartin stepping up as a key forward and Sam Wicks excelling in his new role across half-back, Blakey has spent time as Sydney's deepest defender in the opening two matches.

Speaking to Gerard Whateley and Garry Lyon on AFL 360 on Tuesday night, the 25-year-old said he was taking a team-first approach when it came to the change. 

"I think it’s different, there’s no doubt about that,” Blakey said.

"Obviously, Tommy (McCartin) going forward and helping the boys in the forward line.

"I play a bit deeper and a line back than what I usually do, but that’s where ‘Coxy’ (Dean Cox) thinks my best football is, and at the moment, that’s where I’m more than happy playing.

"That’s where the team needs me, and that’s where I’ll be playing, so I’m more than happy doing it back there."

Blakey said he was encouraged by what McCartin had shown when used as a forward this season. 

“He’s one of my best mates, I love playing alongside him but he gives us a really good look up forward and he works extremely hard," Blakey said. 

"He’s obviously been a defender for a while and knows what they hate so he’s a tough matchup for the boys he comes up against.

“As a forward a lot of the stuff that does get talked about is goals but some of the work he does in not getting out marked and bringing the smalls into the game, we really value as a football team and he’s been doing that really well."

Despite starting the season with two disappointing losses, Blakey said the side was confident it could respond. 

"It’s been a tough start to the season there’s no doubt about that but we’ve played two pretty good teams and we have been in the position to win both games," Blakey said.

"We haven’t had the wins on the board but we’ve put some things in place which we think will hold us in good stead for the year to come."

Sydney takes on Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Sunday from 3:10pm local time and 6.10pm AEDT.