Life in the Sydney coaches' box has suddenly become a lot more complicated. No sooner is one problem seemingly corrected than several other issues crop up - and seldom in John Longmire's coaching career have the solutions been so hard to find.

The glass half full view is that the Swans are simply playing badly and the outlook is still rosy.

Concerns: Swans coach John Longmire and his staff have plenty to think about. Credit:Getty Images

They are one of two teams in the eight to have beaten Hawthorn. With a friendly run into the finals - they do not play a team in the eight - they should reclaim their spot in the top four and who knows what can happen in September?

But the Swans are not playing like a top four side many had them pegged to be at the start of the year, let alone a genuine premiership contender.