Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos says his side will increase its intensity in coming weeks to try and reverse its recent trend of slow starts.

The Swans, despite being grand finalists in 2005 and 2006, endured a modest opening month in each year and were forced to climb their way back up the table to secure a top-four berth.

Roos, whose team takes on Collingwood in Narrandera on Friday night in one of two remaining practice matches, said his side had addressed the issue and were keen to start well in 2007.

"We probably haven't not focused on round one the last few years but, yeah, we've spoken about it," Roos said.

"We definitely want to get off to a better start. I think we've been 1-3 (after round 4) the past two years, so … we've got to make sure we have a good, solid first month.

"It's not necessarily about week one (against West Coast), but more about the first month we've talked about. Hopefully we can do better than we have."

The Swans will step up preparations this weekend, welcoming back Craig Bolton, Ben Mathews, Nick Malceski, Jarrad McVeigh and Ted Richards after a week off, while Barry Hall will make his first appearance of the year.

"This week is about getting our best team on the field for as long as we possibly can," Roos said.

"The only you are really worried about regarding game time and monitoring it is Barry because he is playing his first game but for all the other guys it is about game style and getting ready for the season."

The Swans meet West Coast, Richmond, Brisbane and Adelaide in the first month of the season, with the grand final replay in round one giving Roos and his players even more reason to be excited – and ready – come March 31.

"You know you're coming up against quality opposition, so you know if you're not playing well you're going to get beaten," he said.

"So that's probably one of the few advantages of coming up against the premiership team – you know they're bloody good! You know if you don't bring your A-game you're going to get smashed, so I think the players are aware of that."