Sydney's new goalkicking sensation Adam Goodes says the Swans may have a chance to upset premiership favourites Geelong with an old-fashioned ploy.

In a line that would thrill football purists like former Swans coach Tom Hafey, Goodes says Sydney need to simply bomb it in long to their key forwards before the extra numbers arrive.

After missing a week with a groin injury, Goodes kicked a career-best eight goals on Saturday night as the Swans came from behind to beat Fremantle 17.10 (112) to 15.18 (108).

With full-forward Michael O'Loughlin out of the side because of an ankle injury, Sydney coach Paul Roos turned to his star midfielder to play in the goalsquare as Goodes and Barry Hall (four goals) led Sydney's exciting comeback.

The Swans kicked the last three goals of the game through Goodes and Hall, strengthening their hold on fourth spot after four losses in five games.

"I feel really confident going into the next three weeks," said Goodes, who took nine marks and kicked 8.1.

"They (Geelong) are in great form.

"One thing we've really done over the years is rise to big games and special occasions and I think, individually, guys will be steeling themselves for this week.

"If we get up against Geelong it would really set our season alight.

"If we can go into the one-on-one battles and win them individually, even if we don't win but we play our style of footy, it will really set us up for the last two rounds and hopefully some finals action."

Dual Brownlow Medallist Goodes admitted he had been struggling mentally with his ongoing groin injury but he has also battled off-field dramas.

Goodes, Adelaide's Andrew McLeod and North Melbourne's Nathan Thompson have been revealed as three of the five players believed to have been subjected to threatening letters, including death threats, in the lead-up to May's Hall of Fame tribute match.

But Goodes' main concern on Saturday night was carrying out the instructions of coach Paul Roos.

"He did ask for five (goals)," Goodes said.

"I was pretty happy with myself at halftime. I had four goals in so I only needed one in the second half.

"I thought I played my role. I was a bit lucky a few times when it got over the back."

While the Swans could regain Amon Buchanan, Leo Barry and Nick Malceski from injury and suspension for Saturday night's ANZ Stadium clash, Roos said O'Loughlin was unlikely to play for at least another week.

Jude Bolton was a key to Sydney's victory with 30 possessions and two goals but the no-frills midfielder admitted the Swans needed to lift to be competitive against Geelong.

"It gives us a bit of confidence to go in and take on a massive challenge next week," Bolton said.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey defended his skipper Matthew Pavlich, who had a superb game with 27 possessions and one goal against Sydney but missed a crucial set shot late in the match.

"He is one of the best players that I have ever seen," Harvey said.

Harvey put five-time All-Australian Pavlich in the same category as Goodes.

"It's great that the game has got those sort of guys that people come and see, and we've got one of them (Pavlich)," Harvey said.

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