The Swans have pushed the AFL's top two sides to within a kick in the past three weeks but perhaps the brightest news for Sydney's future is the expected improvement of Adam Goodes as a key forward.

Swans coach Paul Roos was happy with Sydney's efforts in their 13.14 (92) to 13.9 (87) loss to Geelong at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night and could see a new beginning for Sydney when 301-game forward Michael O'Loughlin retires next month.

While O'Loughlin kicked three goals in a fine effort, Adam Goodes was a strong marking target as the star utility kicked two goals and had 21 possessions.

His 12 marks was the highest on either side and despite a few turnovers and poor decisions from Goodes, Roos says the dual Brownlow Medallist can only get better.

"You know Goodesy's a class player. He's taking some time to adjust to that role, as you can imagine," Roos said.

"Jesse White, on Matthew Scarlett, a couple of times, he's probably the best fullback in the competition.

"So they're getting really good experience. Jarred Moore (with 21 possessions) played really well tonight."

The Swans were in 10th place going into their clash with the Cats but now with eight wins from 20 rounds, Sydney will continue to look to develop their younger players for next season.

Further improvement from Goodes, 29, will be a bonus and clearly if he can carve out a new role up forward it will lengthen his career.

The retiring O'Loughlin has already tipped Goodes to beat his club record of games played.

One of Sydney's big improvers this year has been 22-year-old Kieren Jack, who will remember his 45th AFL game for a long time after his opponent Gary Ablett collected 44 possessions.

"But when Gary's in that sort of form, he's very hard to stop," Roos said after watching the Geelong midfielder pick up another three Brownlow Medal votes.

Roos said the Swans are a much better combination than they were mid-season.

"The last month of footy we've played has been just super. It's probably been the best footy we've played in the last two years," he said on Saturday night.

"Unfortunately, we've won two (against Melbourne and Richmond) and lost two.

"We've got some good opposition. We've got Collingwood next week and we've got Brisbane the week after.

"Our main goal is to play as well as we can and to give the young guys an opportunity, and we're certainly doing that at the moment."

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