It's that time of the year again when AFL coaches start talking about how competitive the last six rounds will be and how there are no easy games.

However they're not simply mumbling platitudes, because in the absence of an available No.1 draft pick, tanking and the perception of tanking by bottom sides won't be relevant factors in 2010.

This is hardly welcome news for Sydney coach Paul Roos, who has lifted the Swans to sixth spot but can't afford many more slip-ups, including what could be a pivotal round-22 clash with 13th-placed Brisbane.

"I do think this year, for an obvious reason, the games are going to be a lot more competitive towards the end of this year than what they have been in the past four or five years," Roos told reporters at the SCG on Monday.

"That's exciting for the club and the code and football in general.

"There's no No.1 draft pick up for selection. We know who's getting that (Gold Coast will have nine of the first 15 selections) and I think that will reflect in the latter part of the season."

Sydney's draw includes clashes with top-eight sides Geelong, Hawthorn, Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs, plus a trip to the MCG on Sunday to play the 11th-placed Melbourne.

"It looks like it's going to be a really competitive finish to the season. West Coast had a good win on the weekend," Roos added.

"Every game going into the back end of the season is going to add some real excitement to the competition. Adelaide (10th) are playing good footy again.

"Every team is going to have a hard run home."

Roos has coped with the absence of injured forward Daniel Bradshaw by recalling Jesse White and moving defender Rhyce Shaw forward, with the pair combining for five goals in Sunday's 39-point win over Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

Shaw bagged two goals in the last quarter against North Melbourne in round 15 and produced another three majors last weekend.

"He had gone through a bit of a flat two or three weeks and I think that (move forward) rejuvenated him," Roos said.

Ross said he was unsure how many weeks Shaw would have as a forward but suggested it might be hard to get him back into the defence.

"I've never met a defender who doesn't want to kick a goal," Roos said.

"I wouldn't imagine he'd be creeping into the defensive meetings this week.

"What Rhyce showed on the weekend was just some natural forward instincts.

"Just a couple of those contested marks, for a guy his size, we really haven't had that without (Bradshaw) there for a while.

"Jesse White's contribution was solid as well.

"Having really good leading targets and taking marks certainly made the midfield function a lot better."

Midfielder Jude Bolton will reach the 250-game milestone against Melbourne. The Swans are hopeful full-forward Bradshaw can return to play Geelong on July 31.

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