FOR a city that likes to think of itself as the flashing neon light on an otherwise bleak national landscape, it is ironic to consider the current incarnation of Paul Roos's Swans.

Hard-working, gritty and a no-frills approach are the trademarks of his tenure, and, even as this season draws to a close, they are traits worth repeating because they remain essential to Sydney's last roll of the dice next month.

The club will vehemently disagree, but it is difficult to see the Swans competing for a flag in 2009. And in this sport, in which there are only two worthwhile positions - either building for your next premiership or in contention for one - it is an awkward state of affairs.

But having gone so far down the path already this season, Roos can't stop now and plan for the future, even if the past month has shown how bare the cupboard is when the veteran stars aren't around, and even if a smattering of young players have shown glimpses.

Roos's credibility is not on the line, but it doesn't mean keen observers haven't earmarked this as a genuine challenge of his ability. Having passed every hurdle with flying colours, and as someone who has squeezed everything from his playing group, he has the runs on the board. But can he make a few more?

For every battle he has won since 2005, the bar has been raised a little higher. In 2006, West Coast improved to become the best team in the competition. Last year, led by Geelong, others picked up the slack. This year, new contenders have emerged. And the Swans - for what seems like the first time - have been rattled by off-field drama and dodgy hamstrings.

That they still hold fourth is quite remarkable. It means they have a theoretical chance of success. All they need to do is hold their position for another month, and then duke it out with the Cats at the MCG. Win there, a home preliminary final beckons and another shot at a flag. Why not?

It is easier said than done. As events have conspired against certain teams in recent times, it now appears to be Sydney's turn. That might sound odd given their ladder position, but they are lucky - as they have themselves conceded - to be there.

For a flirtatious moment last Sunday in Canberra, the Swans looked to have shaken their recent lethargy as they piled on four goals in the opening seven minutes. But they managed only another five to three-quarter-time. Post-game, Roos grudgingly admitted his side, loaded with second-stringers, wasn't in the same ballpark as the Bulldogs, or the Hawks or Cats, for that matter.

Without Michael O'Loughlin, they look bereft of a dynamic scoring option. That is not to discredit Barry Hall, but O'Loughlin is unbeatable when on song. He takes a good defender and, frequently, beats him.

That gives confidence to Hall, who in turn can break forward lines and divert attention from Ryan O'Keefe and Jarrad McVeigh. Suddenly the opposition is on the back foot, meaning Roos doesn't have to turn to the so-far uninspiring options of Heath Grundy and Henry Playfair. That three of the Swans' five best rebounders - Leo Barry, Adam Goodes and Nick Malceski - have been out in recent times has also left a gaping hole in their ball movement.

While the three are set to return to playing duties this week, question marks remain. A win is on the cards tomorrow night but Fremantle have kicked on the home turn, just as the Swans have lost their footing. It could be trickier than it looks.

After that, there's Geelong. Then Collingwood - the bogy team - followed by Brisbane. Sydney's hopes hinge on this explosive-laden path. But with a fresh burst of teams set to make the step forward next year, this is probably the Swans' last real chance of silverware for some time. That the luck seems to have run out makes the next four - and potentially eight - weeks the toughest test of Paul Roos's hitherto blessed coaching career.