Sydney's versatile big man Lewis Roberts-Thomson is happy to have re-established himself in the Swans's backline as they prepare for their massive test against AFL ladder leader Geelong at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

Roberts-Thomson, who made his name as a key defender in recent seasons, has found himself used in different positions this year because of the Swans injury woes.

The fourth-placed Swans have stuttered of late, particularly during the absence through injury of veteran fullback Leo Barry.

Roberts-Thomson was pitched into the ruck in Sydney's first clash with the Cats at Skilled Stadium earlier this year, but was recently restored to his favourite place in the backline.

He described Sydney's defensive unit as "a team within a team".

"I really do feel part of the defensive group, and I really do enjoy playing down there," he said.

"This year, unfortunately through a few injuries, I've had to be thrown all over the ground, that hasn't been a bad thing," Roberts-Thomson said.

"Hopefully I've been able to add a little bit to the team and a little bit of versatility to my game, I'm happy to be playing in the team in any sort of role."

Roberts-Thomson and his backline cohorts face the daunting task on Saturday of trying to shackle the free-scoring multi-faceted Cats attack.

Roberts-Thomson felt Barry's absence had actually benefited the Swans in one sense.

"Leo is such a fantastic player, it is difficult to cover someone like that, but we've adjusted quite well," Roberts-Thomson said.

"There's a few different players shouldering a bit more of the load and being given a bit more responsibility to some of the younger players like Heath Grundy."

"They are very versatile in their forward line with leading players who can take a pack mark, there's players who are great on the ground.

"There's not one player that you can actually concentrate on, because they are all very dangerous.

"The overall spread of goalkickers makes it hard for opposition teams to match up on them."

Roberts-Thomson said last week's dramatic win over Fremantle was "right up there" among all the best victories he had experienced in a Swans guernsey.

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