“There are some similarities there's no question. We know Mick (O'Loughlin) and we know Hally are giving it away so there are some similarities but it's just making sure you don't have an eye to the medium and long-term future of the footy club," Roos said on Monday.

“A footy club continually evolves where everyone's trying to win that premiership. I don't think anyone's found a blueprint - it's evolving. Last season, halfway through, St Kilda were five and eight and everyone had written them off. This year they're 14-0.

“It's fine for the media to speculate, but I don't think you can talk about how long it's going to take. Hawthorn won the flag last year and Alistair (Clarkson) said in an interview they weren't the best team in the competition but they won the premiership.

“You've just got to make sure you're working towards it when it happens. Hawthorn took it when their opportunity arose."

In 11th place and two wins and percentage outside the eight, the Swans' finals chances in 2009 look gloomy, particularly with games against the Cats, the Saints and bogey side Collingwood in the run.

With a development policy the focus, Roos said youngsters Dan Hannebery and Jesse White were two likely to see more senior game time in 2009.

Both have starred in recent weeks in the reserves with White booting 20 goals as a full forward. The Swans selected Hannebery, the Oakleigh Chargers midfielder at No.30 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, knowing that he was committed to completing his schooling in Melbourne this year, but the youngster has played during the current school holidays and has impressed Roos.

“Mathematically it's still possible, but it's not the main focus,” Roos said of the Swans’ finals hopes.

“My main focus is to work out where we're going in 2010 and who's going to be on the list at the end of the year."