Swifts took plenty of positives out of their first practice match of the year, but injuries to several players have soured the outcome.

Returning to the club after a stint with Great Western, Jack Fraser's season has been delayed by a minimum of six weeks as he sustained a fractured ankle.

Club best and fairest winner Sean Mantel hyper-extended his knee and Adam Mullane Pratt suffered concussion.

Neither team kept score, but both teams competed hard for the football and it is expected the scoreline would have reflected that.

Swifts Coach Paul Hanns was happy with their overall performance.

"It was a pretty solid hitout for us," Hanns said.

"We still have a bit to work on, but overall I was pretty happy. We had several blokes really step up."

The game consisted of five 20 minute quarters which was taxing on Swifts, who had a much smaller group.

"They had about 33 players and we had 27," Hanns said.

"It wouldn't have been too bad until we had a couple go down injured and a couple that cramped. Four quarters would have probably been enough for us in that heat."

Damon Folkes was one of a few players that took on a new role in the team, running through the midfield.

Folkes, who last year floated along the half forward line, will spend more time in the middle of the ground to give Swifts a little more size.

"Damon did a really good job," Hanns said.

"We need his size in the middle to cover what Rick Whitehead used to do. He stepped up and we were happy with him."

Folkes' younger brother Ryan has also stepped up and looks likely to play more senior football this year after being a fringe player most of last season.

"He was just outside our 21 last season, but he will have more opportunity this time around," Hanns said.

Andrew Cameron was another player to impress in his first game back at the club.

Cameron has been playing at Warriors in recent times and Swifts were pleased to have him back on board.

Former coach Ben Martin, had a run around with the CKS Swifts on Sunday, but will not be playing for the Baggies this season.

Martin has signed with Wimmera Football League Club Warracknabeal, but is likely to play limited games due to prior commitments.

"There are no hard feelings there," Hanns said.

"He needed match fitness and we needed a few extra numbers. We are sad to see him go, but wish him all the best."

While it is no secret Swifts have lost a few players over the off season, they have picked themselves up since Christmas and are looking forward to their first official game against Laharum in round one.

"Playing against Laharum is a good test for us first up," Hanns said.

"We still have no real expectations. We just want to compete each week and make it hard for opposition teams."

For the next few training sessions Swifts will focus on their skills under pressure and sticking their tackles.