Sydney superstar Adam Goodes is confident he can cause some matchup problems for opposing defenders as he starts his career as a fulltime forward in the Swans first round NAB Cup match against Carlton at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday.

The versatile 30-year-old utility, who has won Brownlow Medals as both a ruckman and midfielder will spearhead a depleted Swans forward line in the historic first senior match at a sold out BOP.

The Swans will field their strongest NAB Cup side in recent memory, with just a handful of established players missing.

However, with prize recruit Daniel Bradshaw and emerging youngster Jesse White both injured, Goodes will be the main key forward for the Swans.

Any defender unfortunate enough to get the assignment on Goodes can expect to cover plenty of territory as he hasn't cut down on his running work load since farewelling the midfield.

"I still want to be able to keep my fitness and still want to be able to run like a midfielder in that position," Goodes told AAP.

At 194cm Goodes has the height to grab a mark, but like retired Sydney forward Michael O'Loughlin has the mobility to cause match-up nightmares for opposing coaches and defenders.

"I hope if they try and put a tall tagger on me, then I will be able to run them around and if they put a smaller bloke on me that can keep up with me, then I can try and out mark them," Goodes said.

Having played only "one or two" pre-season competition games since his debut in 1999, Goodes is unused to such a long build up, given that Sydney normally has a late start due to regular finals appearances.

"I have noticed the difference for sure, the body has got a lot of fatigue moments, a lot more than in the past, but I've enjoyed it, it's been great to be there since day one," Goodes said.

Sydney will field seven newcomers including four draftees, while Carlton have named five debutants.

"They (Carlton) are going to be fit, they are going to be running and trying to get outside us and really using their legs, so it should be an interesting game," Goodes said.

Among the Blues new faces are Brock McLean and Lauchie Henderson, who joined from Melbourne and Brisbane respectively, and their leading national draft pick, Kane Lucas.

Sydney coach Paul Roos, who is starting his final year, expected some "messy" passages of play, but was also excited about his team's combination of youth and experience.

"There's no doubt we will play poor footy, but hopefully we play enough good footy to give everyone a real view to this season and beyond," Roos said.

He was especially looking forward to watching the dynamic trio of half backs, Martin Mattner and the returning Tadhg Kenneally all play together.

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