There was a time when Sydney was one of the most predictable sides in the competition but there's a sense of the unexpected when it comes to the class of 2019.

Coach John Longmire, who coaches his 200th game for the club this week, has not been known for moving the magnets around. His preparedness to stick to what he knows best has made him a target for critics who believe it makes his team easy to coach against - though it could also be argued it has been a strength as his players know what to expect.

Swans coach John Longmire has not been afraid to mix it up this season. Credit:AAP

The Swans have won a flag, played off in two other grand finals and not missed a September in his eight years in charge, so he has not needed to get funky on the whiteboard. The times they are a changing, however, in Sydney.

Longmire may not exactly have swapped the red and white club polo for a lab coat and goggles but he has not been afraid to mix it up either.