Sydney coach Paul Roos says favourable history and an early season thrashing of Richmond mean nothing against the much-improved Tigers at the MCG on Sunday.

The Swans belted Richmond by 55 points at the SCG in round three of the AFL season, their eighth straight victory against them, most by similarly healthy margins.

But while Sydney were flying at that stage and the Tigers uncompetitive early in their first season under Damien Hardwick, Roos acknowledged the momentum had swung.

The Tigers have three wins from their past four games - helped by strong form from young midfielders Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin and key forward Jack Riewoldt.

The Swans are the team trying to regain ground after a disappointing loss to Collingwood last round.

"It's stating the obvious, but their individual players are playing a lot better, which means that they are a lot more dangerous team," Roos said.

"I think they're a lot more confident. A new coach coming in, it takes a while with new players and young players and getting used to AFL football and the tempo and all those sorts of things.

"They are a lot better team than when we played them in earlier in the season. Young players get confident from wins, if they get beaten all the time, they tend to lose confidence.

"I think the Richmond football club are on the right track now. They are up and about and playing with a lot of confidence."

Roos said the midfield battle would be crucial, with the Swans having been down in that area against the Magpies, while the Tigers' on-ballers have been in good form.

Sydney made four unforced changes, including the return from injury of running defender Tadhg Kennelly, while forward Trent Dennis-Lane will make his AFL debut.

The Tigers' only change was Kelvin Moore replacing fellow tall defender Luke McGuane (leg).

Roos said he doubted the Swans' dominant record against Richmond would have any psychological effect on the current Tigers.

"Damien (Hardwick) would give them every chance of beating us and we think if we play well we will beat them," Roos said.

"I don't think that changes, who you play week to week, it doesn't make any difference about your previous record."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP