Sydney co-captain Adam Goodes is predicting dramatic change on the AFL ladder as teams jostle for finals positions over the coming month.

Five teams are battling for the top four spots, while sixth-placed Sydney head a group of five fighting for the bottom three spots in the eight.

"From every week there's going to be spots change on the ladder, things are going to change dramatically, even though you can't really see it right now," Goodes said on Sunday.

"West Coast lose a couple of games, Carlton have got a really tough run, anything could happen.

"The AFL has got it spot on this year, it's such an even competition right the way down to 13th.

"It's going to go right to round 24 to see who is playing finals."

Sydney held onto sixth spot despite having the bye this week.

Of the teams just below them on the ladder, Fremantle and Essendon both lost to top-four sides, with only St Kilda making up ground.

They still have to play Essendon and St Kilda in addition to Geelong, Brisbane and Richmond.

"We're in control of our own destiny," Goodes said.

"Obviously we are not looking too far ahead, we know we've got five games to go, two of those in Sydney and it's a really big test for us the next two weeks, starting with Essendon."

Goodes spent part of the bye week on a friend's farm in Albury with no TV or mobile reception and felt the late season break had really benefitted his club.

"The way we trained on Thursday and again on Saturday just really showed how much the break really was great for everyone and how much the boys are really keen for the next five weeks," Goodes said.

The dual Brownlow Medallist had no qualms about continuing to alternate between midfield and forward roles over the remainder of the season.

"I don't know what's going to happen for the rest of my career, but I'm very happy with the role I'm playing at the moment," Goodes said.

"It is a bit of a hybrid role for me and mentally going into games I know it's going to be that. I'm very comfortable with playing that role and it's a really good role for me to play for the team."

Often switched back into midfield when the Swans are struggling, Goodes relishes the responsibility of trying to lift his team in that situation.

"I really like I can go in there and have an influence if the team isn't going well," Goodes said.

"I don't see it as a pressure, I see it as an opportunity to really show some leadership and try and turn the tide for us."

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