JUDE Bolton has identified skill level as an area for his Sydney Swans to improve on in the off-season as they attempt to inch closer to the AFL's top four.

The Swans' 2011 campaign ended on a disappointing note last Friday night following a 36-point semi-final defeat to Hawthorn at the MCG.

It was the second straight season the Swans managed to win an elimination final before bowing out the following week.

Speaking outside a pub in Sydney, where 'Mad Monday' festivities were getting underway, Bolton said the club had already identified skills as a key area of improvement.

It was highlighted against the Hawks, whose outstanding ball use proved too tough for the Swans to match at the MCG.

"Certainly we need to improve our skill level," Bolton said.

"And that's something we'll endeavour to do over the break and through the Christmas period.

"We'll be back pretty early and that's something that we really need to hone in on and improve.

"It's certainly disappointing to not be playing this weekend, but if you look at the teams that got through, it's the top four sides.

"We came up against a quality outfit on the weekend, they kicked really straight, they spread hard on us and they beat us around the contest."

Whenever teams crash out of the premiership race, speculation inevitably turns to a club's list and potential player movement.

Bolton himself was offered for trade at the end of the 2007 before retaining his spot on the list and while he has extended his contract for 2012, he understands the lay of the land at this time of year.

"You certainly realise it is a big business," he said.

"We've done really well through trading and benefited from a lot of different guys along the way.

"We see it as a real benefit for us and it's been able to keep us in the finals.

"You never want to see anyone leave, but it is a business."

Bolton played 22 games this season, missing just one match due to a knee injury, to take his career tally to 279.

His knee only needs rest, not an operation, and if he can get through next season he could become only the third Swan behind Michael O'Loughlin and Adam Goodes to reach the 300-game milestone.

For the first time in 2012, the Swans won't be the only AFL ticket in town, with Greater Western Sydney to make their debut in the competition.

The AFL is believed to be considering pitting the two clubs together in a stand-alone game at the start of the season.

"We'll see how that pans out, it's going to be interesting," Bolton said.

"I'm not sure if they've pencilled in a stand-alone game at the start of the year next year, but certainly that first game we play against them will be a big rivalry and we look forward to it.

"I think (a stand-alone game) could be a positive, but either way I think it will be a big turnout from the Sydney crowd."