Swans coach John Longmire says a mixture of supply and personnel – or a lack thereof – is the reason for a poor output in front of goal in recent weeks.
The Swans suffered a third defeat in the space of four weeks when Geelong ran away with a 32-point win at Simonds Stadium on Saturday night.
With a cloud hovering over the availability of forwards Lance Franklin, Ben McGlynn and Gary Rohan the Swans will need to rely on other avenues to goal which has proven difficult of late.
Playing with a sore back, Franklin still managed to kick three goals against Adelaide in the Swans’ one win since mid-July.
Only 23 goals collectively have been conjured up in those losses - 7 (v Hawthorn), 7 (v West Coast) and 9 (v Geelong) – and in each of those matches poor disposal has been highlighted.
It’s a huge concern ahead of Friday night’s encounter against Collingwood.
SWANS SWEAT ON FRANKLIN FITNESS
Asked where the problem area lies Longmire said both were contributing to poor form which saw the Swans relinquish fourth spot on the ladder with just four rounds remaining in the home and away season.
“We haven’t really been able to put together the Gary Rohan, Ben McGlynn and Lance Franklin setup at any particular point in time,” Longmire said.
“It’s always a combination of supply – how we’re getting the ball into our forward line – as well as what’s happening in our front half.
“It’s never one or the other.”
Franklin has played only once in the past three weeks as the star forward battles a back strain suffered on the eve of the West Coast clash and is again in doubt for Friday night’s encounter with the Pies.
Franklin averages four goals against the black and white, scoring power that would come in handy in the crucial contest at the SCG.
McGlynn was a late withdrawal last weekend citing hamstring soreness while Gary Rohan hasn’t played since tearing his hamstring in Round 14.
Both are renowned for defensive pressure and have been dearly missed over the past month due to respective injury concerns.
McGlynn remains in doubt and will be assessed on Wednesday while Rohan, if fit to play, will more than likely return via the NEAFL.
KEY QUOTES: JOHN LONGMIRE - AUGUST 10, 2015
Gary Rohan, Ben McGlynn and Lance Franklin have all missed football through injury over the last few months.
