Sydney were grateful for the AFL's pre-finals bye.
But they're equally delighted there are no more delays on their way forward this season after steamrolling Essendon in their elimination final.
There seems to be no stopping the Swans on their march through the 2017 competition.
The only team to have beaten them since April is Hawthorn. Twice.
John Longmire's side crushed their semi-final opponent Geelong and edged their potential preliminary final match-up -- Adelaide -- away from home in August.
And they've defeated possible grand final opponents Richmond and GWS on away trips over that run as well.
It's why no one at the Swans is fearful of the Cats, who they meet at the MCG in a hotly-anticipated Friday nigth clash.
"We really enjoy the challenge of going down to Geelong or Melbourne, trying to (beat) them on their home deck," defender Heath Grundy said.
"We've been playing some really good footy and when you get a few wins you're obviously going to get some momentum.
"We really thrive on that atmosphere and having the crowd against us."
While Grundy is hoping to ride the wave of momentum deep into September, his defensive partner Dane Rampe revealed the one-week break did help the Swans.
Sydney's 0-6 start heaped pressure on the team each week to remain in finals contention.
That was only secured in round 22, with Rampe saying a week off helped to release the built-up tension.
"I think it was just that mental break more than anything. Not having to prepare for -- like you said -- a cut-throat game," he told Channel Nine.
"Every game we had, we had to (win).
"It was good to have that mental freshener and obviously physically we had a few boys that were under injury clouds.
"Maybe if we did play the week before Callum Sinclair wouldn't have played.
"It has worked out well for us."
Sinclair kicked three goals.
Sydney's sole injury concern from their 65-point defeat of Essendon was Lance Franklin (corked thigh), but both defenders dismissed the idea 'Buddy' would let anything keep him out of their semi-final.
"He plays every week no matter what he's got," Grundy said.
"We need him.
"He's pretty important to us so he'll do everything this week to get right and he'll be out there Friday night."
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