Sydney are aiming to restore the fortress status of their beloved SCG.

Successive AFL losses to Geelong and Carlton in their first two SCG fixtures of the season sent the Swans tumbling out of the top eight.

A win over the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval last weekend nudged Sydney back up to eighth spot, but their only home win this season was against Essendon at ANZ Stadium.

Sydney, who play Port Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday, haven't lost three straight at their traditional home since 1993.

Midfielder Craig Bird acknowledged the importance of Sydney suffering as few SCG setbacks as possible for the remainder of their 2011 campaign.

"I think it's very important, (coach) John Longmire said before we've really got to make it a fortress again at the SCG," Bird told reporters on Tuesday.

"Teams don't usually like coming up here and playing us here at this ground.

"So hopefully we can get back to that and put in a good performance this week and for the rest of the season and really don't let teams get on top of us at the SCG."

Bird denied alterations to Sydney's game style under Longmire had made it more difficult for them to win at the SCG.

"I don't think so, I just think we played a couple of tough teams here in Geelong, who are undefeated at the moment, and Carlton are going very well," Bird said.

"I just don't think we put the four quarters together and I think if we get back to that, I think we'll be very hard to beat up here again."

Sydney appear to have a good opportunity of opening their SCG account for the year against a Port side they have beaten in their last six fixtures across all venues.

Bird acknowledged fans expect a decisive win against a side languishing in 16th spot with just one victory.

All three of the Swans' wins have been by 13 points or less and all but one of their games has been decided by under three goals.

"He (Longmire) is getting a bit stressed," joked Bird.

With five games under his belt this year, Bird has already made one more appearance than he did the whole of last season, when he was afflicted by a foot injury.

He was relishing the responsibility of playing a more defensive role this season, when he has been handed jobs on opposing key midfielders.

"It's a great challenge for me and I guess with Kieren (Jack) out, I have to step up my game as well and sort of take after his role a little bit," Bird said.

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