Sydney veteran Jude Bolton says the Swans must improve their skill levels to break into the AFL top four and has nominated three youngsters as potential stars.

The Swans finished seventh on the ladder, two places and as many points less than last year.

For the second straight year they won an elimination final, before losing at the semi-final stage.

Asked what Sydney had to do to muscle their way into the top four, Bolton said "certainly we need to improve our skill level and that's something we will endeavour to do over the break."

Bolton felt it had been a positive year for Sydney, especially given the emergence of several exciting youngsters including key forward Sam Reid and key defender Alex Johnson both 19, and midfielder Luke Parker, 18.

"We didn't know exactly how well they'd come along and we believe they have come along really well, "Bolton said.

"Seeing guys Like Luke Parker, Alex Johnson, Sam Reid coming along, they've embarked upon the start of their career and they are going to be great players.

He was looking forward to the arrival of highly rated youngster Tom Mitchell, the son of former Swans star Barry Mitchell.

"He's a hard-nosed little midfielder and that's why I like him, " Bolton said.

Bolton, 31, will play again next season and a further 21 appearances will lift him to the 300 match milestone alongside current Sydney co-captain Adam Goodes and club games record holder and retired full forward Michael O'Loughlin.

He wasn't expecting any special treatment training-wise as O'Loughlin famously used to receive.

"He got plenty of special treatment, he didn't turn up before Christmas, " Bolton joked.

"I'm certainly not in Micky O's category, don't worry about that.

"I'm just having a couple of weeks off and then start ticking the body over.

"You can't afford to have too long off when you are my age, otherwise it doesn't start up again."

Bolton was looking forward to the rivalry generated by local derbies against Greater Western Sydney, who enter the competition next year.

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