Following a disrupted week of preparation for the Swans, Will Hayward is only looking at the positives as he prepares to return from concussion against Port Adelaide.

Sydney Swans players and staff are living under tight restrictions in a Melbourne hotel until the team returns from its visit to South Australia to play Port Adelaide on Saturday. 

The Swans were granted a travel exemption from SA Health to visit the state and take on the Power at 4:35pm AEST Saturday, but until then are only able to leave their hotel in South Yarra to train.

The club was able to use training facilities provided by the Western Bulldogs on Thursday, drawing on their hosts' similar experience just a few weeks ago when they were forced to flee Melbourne to spend time in Sydney due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

"At the moment it's simply stay at the hotel or head to training," Will Hayward told reporters on Thursday.

"We're not allowed to see family at this stage. Once we get back from Adelaide the rules might relax a bit and we get a bit more flexibility.

"Lucky we're a very tight-knit group and we had a fair bit of bonding time together last year in Perth."

"What we have learnt over the last few days is that anything can happen overnight so we are prepared for anything," Hayward added.

"If it's here [Melbourne] or Sydney, we will be ready to go. We will just adapt to whatever ground we are playing at."

Hayward is available for the clash with the Power after recovering during the bye period from a head knock in the first quarter of the loss to Hawthorn. 

After forcing his way back into the side after missing the opening few rounds of the season, Hayward has been rediscovering his best form, having kicked 12 goals in the previous eight matches.

The 22-year-old felt it was a minor head clash and said it didn't cause any lingering problems but was happy to follow the standard concussion protocols, especially with the Swans having a bye the following week.

"Those concussion tests are pretty hard to pass so I knew as soon as I went down into the rooms that I'd be in strife. Even on my best of days I struggle to pass those things," Hayward said with a smile.

"I just got a head-on-head clash and was a bit dazed for a few seconds. It was a bit frustrating but the silver lining was that there was a bye so I didn't have to miss a game. 

"Everyone reacts differently to concussions and it's a bit of a grey area, so the safest way to do it is what the AFL has implemented."

Hayward says there is a currently healthy competition amongst the squad, which is only a positive. The side welcomes back young forward Errol Gulden to face Port Adelaide this week, returning from a shin injury.

"It's very competitive for spots and thats a very good problem to have at a footy club," Hayward said.

"We have seen what Errol can do earlier in the year and the impact that he had, and more recently Joel [Amartey], has come in, been given an opportunity and has taken it with both hands.

"It's very competitive but it's also good to see because it keeps everyone more motivated to play their role."

Hayward is looking forward to facing one of his good friends Aliir Aliir this week, after the defender moved from the Swans to the Power in last year's Trade Period.

Aliir played 64 matches for the Swans between 2016-2020 and is now averaging career-highs for disposals (16.5) and rebound 50s (4.5) in an outstanding first season at the Power.

"He's been playing really good footy, he's been intercepting for them really well and also sets up a lot of their ball movement from the back half," Hayward said. 

"He's a great player and we always knew that, so we'll make sure we watch him.

"I played on him a few times [in training]. He's obviously really strong, his acceleration once he takes off is pretty quick. He knows how I play and I know how he plays."

However he knows how dangerous the entire opposition can be. 

"If we can bring our pressure and hunt on the opposition, we can really let our game flow from there," Hayward said.

"They are a great side. They have shown that last year and what they have been able to do this year so it's going to be a tough game. We have some systems in place that hopefully we can implement to help us win."