Sydney Swans coach John Longmire is well aware of the threat posed by the small and speedy Brisbane Lions forward line on Sunday.

Lewis Taylor, Rohan Bewick and Dayne Zorko all play a key role in the Lions set up, all possessing the ability to use the ball well moving in and around the forward 50.

Longmire says shutting down those types will go a long way to winning the Round 15 clash at the Gabba.

“Their smalls have been terrific, they get the ball up the ground and those sorts of guys really run and carry very well,” he said.

“They are also able to transfer the ball into the forward 50 very well.

“You look at their ability for them to be able to do that and then they have such a strong midfield with (Dayne) Beams added to the team along with (Allen) Christensen.

“They have some good players in their team and they are really capable on their home deck so their run and carry game is the real challenge for us to make sure we stop that.”

The Lions have a number of strong and experienced inclusions including Tom Rockliff, Daniel Merrett and Pearce Hanley,

Despite sitting in 18th spot with two wins on the board, Longmire is not underestimating Brisbane and its ability to match the best sides in the competition.

“Brisbane has some handy inclusions and their form over the last couple of weeks has been strong,” he said.

“They were in front by four goals at three-quarter-time against Adelaide and they were right in it at three-quarter-time against Fremantle last week so it doesn’t get any easier for us.”