Long-serving Sydney fullback Leo Barry hinted Monday he would like to play on again next year and believes the Swans have the depth to mount a serious premiership challenge this season.

Barry has made 227 senior appearances for Sydney since 1995, spending much of his early career up forward.

"I'm taking each game as it comes now coming into the back end of the year with nine (home-and-away) games (left)," Barry said.

"I'll probably assess over the next month or so. I'd like to think I can keep playing, but that's a decision to be made later in the year.

"I think my form has been okay, I've been able to keep a spot and have an influence on the team."

Heading into Saturday's clash with Collingwood at ANZ Stadium, the fourth-placed Swans are one and a half games clear of their closest rival, having reeled off six straight wins.

"I think it's probably the best first half of the season we've had for a number of seasons," said Barry, who pointed to a tough draw ahead with seven of their remaining nine games against other current top eight occupants.

Barry is one of 16 Swans to have played every game this year.

The 31-year-old drew parallels with the Swans' 2005-06 campaigns, both of which culminated in a grand final.

While dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes will miss this week's home clash with Collingwood, Barry pointed out Swans were currently fortunate enough to have the rest of their prime movers available.

"I think it's comparable to 2006, 2005, I suppose, one thing we do have in our favour is we've got all our good players up and playing," Barry said.

"We'll obviously have Goodesy out this weekend, but we've got a pretty healthy list and we don't have many injuries to our key players, which I think determines how you are going to play and you are able to develop a bit of momentum."

Barry believed the Swans were "better placed than in previous years" because of the extra depth this season with veterans Nic Fosdike, Jared Crouch and Ben Mathews all currently consigned to reserves duty.

"It's good comfort for the senior group and the coaches that we know we've got these good players who can step up," Barry said.

With key Magpies forward Anthony Rocca currently injured, Barry was relishing the prospect of the Swans' relatively small backline not having to concede height for once.

"Having Anthony out, they've got a very small mobile forward line and Paul Medhurst has been playing well, Alan Didak, so it's going to be a pretty difficult task for us," Barry said.

"Probably it's the only week we aren't undersized, that will be something strange."

Collingwood won all three of their tussles against Sydney last season and Barry said the Magpies matched up well with the Swans.

"They are only one or two spots below us, so it's really a season-defining game," Barry said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP