SYDNEY Swans spearhead Barry Hall heads the list of players set to make their 2009 debut in Saturday's NAB Challenge match against Melbourne at Visy Park.

Coaching co-ordinator John Longmire confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Hall would join Jared Crouch, Nick Malceski and Luke Ablett in the side.

"We'll have the majority of the players who played last week as well … so it's getting back to a reasonably experienced line-up, and there are still a few younger players who are playing well who are still in line [for a game]," he said.

Longmire said key defender Lewis Roberts-Thomson was still a week away from competitive action.

Novice ruck duo Jake Orreal and Mike Pyke are also set for more game time against the Demons, with the return of fellow prospect Daniel Currie still uncertain.

The Swans' defence was of particular concern after Sunday's 65-point NAB Cup loss to Port Adelaide at Manuka Oval.

Co-captain Craig Bolton said the effort was "non-existent" at times against the Power and Longmire didn't disagree.

"We’ve always traditionally been reasonably strong in that area and we were a bit disappointed with how we went. To allow Port to kick 20 goals was disappointing," he said. "We need to continue to work on that."

It was a much-improved Demons outfit that suffered a last-minute loss to Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday and Longmire said it appeared some of those youngsters were starting to win more of their own ball.

But he said the Swans will be focused on their own preparation throughout the remainder of the pre-season.

"We’ve had a number of players who have had a really solid training program that now need to transfer that into their games," he said.

"We’ll get a better indication over the next few weeks when we get our full squad out on the park, to see how we’re going. Different players are at different stages but we need to make sure it all comes together in the next few weeks."

A more experienced Swans squad will travel to Melbourne, but Longmire said there would continue to be chances for the club's emerging players to stake their claim for a round one berth.

"It’s one thing having the opportunity and seeing an opening in the team; it’s another thing for the players to make sure they grab that opportunity," he said.

"Over the next few weeks ... that’s what some of the players will be playing for: to make sure they put their hands up to play senior footy."