The Swans are winless after their opening three matches of the season but believe a string of tough opposition has steeled them for what lies ahead.

They fell to the Gold Coast Suns in a nine-point loss at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday but were without senior players who had been called up to the AFL side.

The Swans also lost forward James Rose (head knock) early in the third term and the 2014 draftee had been instrumental in collecting 12 touches, four tackles and a pair of goals.

The loss to the Gold Coast followed gruelling encounters with GWS in Sydney’s season-opener and Brisbane in Round 2.

But midfielder Matt Ling said the testing start would hold the NEAFL side in good stead.

“It’s given us a taste of what the best of the competition is like so it’s good to get that early,” Ling said.

“Hopefully we can build on it throughout the year.

“It’s hard with a lot of new, young players coming in but we’re all gelling together now and getting back to playing Swans footy. Hopefully we can start getting some wins on the board.”

The Swans took to the Suns with just 10 AFL-listed players and Rose’s departure left them with nine and just three players on the bench.

Academy players Jeremy Schumack, Dominic Soffe, Christian Loone, Chris Frangos, Harry Parker, Luke Stanford and Jacob Sincock all made their NEAFL debuts and battled hard in the testing circumstances.

Despite the understrength Swans outfit, the Suns never led by more than eight points until midway through the third quarter.

Star on-baller Aaron Hall, who notched up 100 AFL games earlier in the season, kicked a goal in the 14^th minute and former North Melbourne forward Eddie Sansbury ran in another moments later.

But Sydney bagged two fourth-quarter majors to the Gold Coast’s one to challenge the victors through to the final siren.

Ling said the NEAFL side could contiue to be proud of their efforts.

“It was a really good effort by the boys,” Ling said.

“It’s given us a lot of confidence and when the older guys come back hopefully we can finish off the result.

“The Academy boys were really good. They’ve been good for us all year and they were again a good help to the team on Saturday."

Ling’s speed, football smarts and piercing left-foot kick have buoyed the reserves in the early stages of the season.

The 19-year-old signed with the Swans at the 2017 National Draft last November through pick 14 and said the club has welcomed him with open arms. 

“I’m loving my time at the Swans and it’s only going to get better as I get to know the other guys more.”