Could Xavier Richards be the Sydney Swans' next swingman?

Twenty-six goals from the defender over the past six rounds in the NEAFL could certainly suggest so.

Richards, younger brother to veteran Ted, has almost reinvented himself as a genuine goal-kicker this season following another big haul for the NEAFL Swans.

The 23-year-old bagged eight goals in the Swans' 124-point win on Saturday, along with 26 disposals and a game-high 13 marks against the Gold Coast at Blacktown International Sportspark.

The performance follows on from bags of four and six goals across Round 9 and 10. After the weekend, Richards jumped to sixth on the NEAFL goal-kicking leaderboard.

It's a dramatic change for the usual stay-at-home defender who, prior to this year, hadn't kicked a goal in his professional football career.

"I was pretty happy," Richards said of his day out against the Suns. "The team obviously played really well and we smashed the opposition in inside 50s which helped me out a lot.

The push forward, hatched by the coaches as a way for Richards to stay involved in what's been a dominant season by the NEAFL Swans, is a nice change of pace for a player so used to hunting opponents rather than being the hunted.

"There are other things the senior coaches are wanting me to bring to my game, things that I haven’t worked on before or played with in my defensive role," Richards added.

"I guess it's another string to my bow. I enjoy playing both (forward and defence), both have their challenges and rewards.

"Fitness is really the only difference. As a defender I was always on my toes, while as a forward I'm always moving no matter what."

He'll be one of a number of players within the reserves pushing for senior selection either this week or, if his form continues, in the weeks to come.

The NEAFL Swans face GWS' reserves on Saturday in a curtain-raiser to the AFL's Sydney vs Carlton clash at the SCG.

They'll be looking to improve their win-loss record to 14-1 against a side upset by Brisbane last weekend.

But, Rhyce Shaw's men will still be wary given the Giants have been the only side to have defeated the ladder-leaders this season.

"Shawry’s been fantastic as coach in his debut season," Richards added.

"Our first-years have been performing really well.

"There are only five games left so we need to make sure we finish off well and launch into a solid finals campaign."