CLUBS YOU PLAY TWICE GWS, Hawthorn, Essendon, Port Adelaide, Richmond

PROS Two games against cross-town rivals GWS remains a benefit, although the Giants should be more competitive this year. They also have four Friday night fixtures, including two at home, and won't have to play the Cats in Geelong for the first time since 2005.

CONS Outside of the Giants, the four other opponents the Swans meet twice will all be aiming for finals football.

HIGHLIGHTS The season-opener at Giants Stadium, with Buddy Franklin, Shane Mumford, Heath Shaw and Josh Hunt in new colours, should be close to a sell-out. They are also set for some blockbusters, including Friday night showdowns with Hawthorn (ANZ), Essendon (Etihad and the SCG) and Richmond (MCG).

TOUGHEST RUN The Hawks, Bombers and Cats in mid-season will be a real test, as will the Eagles in Perth, followed by Carlton, Hawthorn and Essendon between rounds 16-19.

TRAVEL They face back-to-back games in Melbourne and Brisbane in rounds six and seven, something they were hoping to avoid. The Swans also have five games in Melbourne, two in Adelaide and one each in Perth, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

GAMES AGAINST 2013 TOP 6 Seven. Fremantle, Hawthorn (twice), Geelong, Port Adelaide (twice) and Carlton

GAMES AGAINST 2013 BOTTOM SIX Seven GWS (twice), Melbourne, Gold Coast, West Coast, St Kilda and the Bulldogs.

WHAT WE SAY The Swans' draw has had quite a shake-up. They had become accustomed to very hard run-ins to the finals, but they now face Port Adelaide away, plus the Saints, Dogs and Tigers in their final fixtures. They also have a number of huge games against fellow top-four hopefuls.