HE MIGHT be the reigning All-Australian centre half-back but remarkably, Craig Bolton won't necessarily be the Sydney Swans' first choice to fill that role in 2010.

The continuing emergence of Heath Grundy as a key defender capable of playing on the league's best forwards, combined with Bolton's versatility, means he is likely to line up on a range of opponents this year.

The round-one loss to St Kilda was a case in point: Grundy engaged in a riveting battle with Nick Riewoldt, while Bolton kept dangerous goalsneak Stephen Milne quiet.

Bolton said he expected similar match-ups to occur throughout the year as coach Paul Roos groomed Grundy to become the side's No.1 tall back.

"I used to play on the smaller guys quite a bit but in the last few years in particular, it's been the bigger guys," he said.

"They're all great players and they can be dangerous regardless of their size. I think each week it's just about sizing up different opponents, what their strengths are and obviously it can vary quite substantially.

"It was a bit different but it's something I enjoy, playing on different types of players. I wouldn't be surprised throughout the year if it happens a bit more."

The Swans' co-captain had nothing but praise for Grundy, who in the space of 18 months has turned himself from a strong-marking swingman into an essential part of the defence.

"Heath Grundy showed last year what he can do and I think he's going to develop and be the linchpin of this side in the years to come," he said.

"He's got a lot of potential and he's a great attacking defender as well. Hopefully he'll just continue to develop this year."

Despite all the pre-season talk about the Swans' potent running defenders Rhyce Shaw, Tadhg Kennelly and Marty Mattner, it was their ability to stop the Saints scoring that was brought into question in round one.

Bolton said he and his fellow backs were left in no doubt that they had to lift against Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

"It doesn't matter how good you look on paper or how much potential you've got. We've certainly got to turn things around and play a lot better," he said.

"Our first priority is to stop opposition goals and that's probably what we didn't do so well against St Kilda. If we can get the balance right, I'm sure we'll have a really good year down there."

Now entering his 11th season and his eighth year at the Swans, the 29-year-old is firmly among the senior tier of players at the club.

A groin complaint restricted his game time in the NAB Cup but Bolton said his body was in good shape.

"It's going alright; Kirky's got about 10 years on me still, as well as a couple of other guys," he said with a laugh.

"Certainly with the younger guys coming through, it does make you feel a bit older but it's really exciting to be playing alongside these guys.

"It seems like yesterday that I was drafted but obviously that's not the case. I'm probably closer to the end of my career than the start but I'm still really enjoying it and it's really exciting to be part of what is really a new era at the Swans."

Games at the SCG are electricfying. See the Swans take on Richmond next  Saturday night. Grab your tickets now at www.ticketek.com.au. Please note first bounce for our Round 3 fixture Sydney Swans v Richmond is 7.10pm. Gates open at 3.45pm.