An encouraging return from key forward Sam Reid was one of the few positives Sydney coach John Longmire has been able to extract from the wreckage of a stunning 28-point opening round AFL home loss to Port Adelaide.
The Power had 22 more contested possessions than the Swans on Saturday and Longmire admitted they had few winners on the day.
One exception was 25-year-old Reid, who didn't play a senior game last year due to calf and achilles issues.
Reid grabbed seven marks and kicked three goals at the SCG, the largest scoring contribution to the Swans outside of Lance Franklin's 4.2.
"He was one of our winners I guess, particularly early," Longmire said.
"He was able look really dangerous in our front half, he looked good and got his hand on the ball and got the score on the board for us."
"He was a real positive to come out of the game considering how much footy he has lost."
Longmire said former co-captain Kieren Jack ran out the game fine, despite not playing any of their pre-season matches.
Although Sydney fielded nine players with 31 games or less of senior experience, Longmire felt it wasn't just the younger brigade who struggled.
"We didn't have a lot of good players win their positions and that includes our experienced players," he said.
"Maybe some of the younger kids struggled a little bit but we didn't have a lot of winners for the whole game."
Captain Josh Kennedy had 28 possessions and a double-digit tally of clearances but most of the Swans' lauded midfielders were below their best.
Sydney have a six-day turnaround days before they face premiers Western Bulldogs in a grand final rematch.
"We'll reflect and reset and get going again next week," Longmire said.
"It's a simple process, we've been thorough it before.
"We need to make sure we get it right this week."
Swans midfielder Daniel Robinson will undergo scans on the shoulder he injured last season.
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