He won't be burning the midnight oil fretting over Nic Naitanui but Sydney coach Paul Roos admits the West Coast ruckman is way too much for Adam Goodes to handle.

Dual Brownlow Medallist Goodes has spent the last decade setting the standard in terms of running power and athleticism for big men in the AFL, including his days in the ruck early on in his career.

But at 194cm, he is dwarfed by the 201cm Naitanui and Roos couldn't see any benefit of playing his co-captain against the dynamic teenager in Saturday's clash at the SCG.

"Nic's a big guy and I really think we should leave that to (Swans ruckmen) Seabs (Mark Seaby) and Mummy (Shane Mumford) because they're both big guys," he said.

"I don't want to put Adam in a position where (he could get injured by playing in the ruck).

"We took him out of that position and he's been terrific as a midfielder and terrific as a forward so I think that's the role we'll continue to play at this stage."

Roos said the Swans wouldn't be focusing too much on Naitanui despite the young Eagle coming off a standout game against Essendon on Friday night.

"Nic's a player who is still finding his feet," said Roos.

"I'm sure (West Coast coach) John's (Worsfold) not sure what Nic can do and what he can't do.

"So there's no point in me putting an enormous amount of time into him because I really don't know what he's going to do.

"You're aware of him; you talk to your players about him, (we'll) talk to our ruckmen and talk to our midfielders.

"I've got to spend more time on my players.

"Look Nic at this early stage of his career has had a good impact and he's going to get better and better."

Meanwhile running defender Nick Smith comes into the Swans lineup for the injured Ben McGlynn (quad) as the home side chase a fourth straight win.

Smith, 21, has played 13 games over two seasons and captured the spot ahead of the likes of Gary Rohan, Ted Richards and Paul Bevan.

The Swans have made a strong start to the year with convincing wins over Adelaide, Richmond and North Melbourne following an opening round eight-point loss to St Kilda.

But it is vital the Sydneysiders maintain momentum against the Eagles.

They have a tough stretch of matches coming up against Brisbane (SCG), Geelong (Skilled Stadium), Western Bulldogs (Manuka Oval), Fremantle (SCG) and Hawthorn (MCG).

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