The reigning premiers were dealt heavy blows during their off-season when several key players retired or left the club.

The town has been talking after the key departures and coach Paul Hanns thinks it is having a negative impact on the playing group.

“Our players are doubting themselves because of the negativity we are hearing,” Hanns said.

“Our numbers have been down on the track and the commitment has dropped off.

“It is disappointing, but our leadership group need to step in now and rectify it.”

Swifts coaching staff led discussions about the club’s attitude and commitment this week and were hoping the stern word would see some improvement during the next couple of weeks.

The first test for Swifts will be the match against Taylors Lake – a team on the improve this season.

Hanns described the match as an important game for both teams and was hopeful that, with a few inclusions, Swifts would be able to get the job done.

Swifts will welcome back Darwin recruit Tim Friend, who has been a key performer in two victories this year, as well as experienced defender Nick Pickering.

Captain Scott Carey is in doubt, having trained at 80 per cent this week. 

Swifts will lose Damon Folkes to an overseas holiday and Hanns, who will be forced to coach from the sidelines.

Hanns suffered a bad corked thigh in the match against Laharum a fortnight ago. 

After light numbers saw him play a half last week, he will not take the field underdone again this weekend.

For Swifts to be competitive against Taylors Lake they will have to put plenty of time into league best-and-fairest Deek Roberts.

Roberts wins plenty of his own ball across the ground and it is likely Swifts players will tag him from the first bounce.

Swifts have more than one option to nullify his impact, with Jake Atkins the first in line.

“If we can put him under enough pressure, we hope it affects his ball use,” Hanns said.

“He is a very good player and does a great job for Taylors Lake.”

Incentive will be at an all-time high for Swifts’ Mark St Clair as he looks to seal his 250th club game with a win.

St Clair has played the majority of his career in the reserves, but after a break-out year last season, he has consolidated a spot in the seniors.

“Mark is one of those blokes who just battles well when we need him to,” Hanns said.

“He just gives you effort every week and that is why he has slotted in so well in the seniors.”

Swifts will meet Taylors Lake at North Park as they look to improve their record with their fifth win of the season.