Smith: Swans in danger of becoming predictable

Sydney may be playing into opposition hands by relying too much on Lance Franklin, admits defender Nick Smith.

The Swans suffered an 89-point thrashing at the hands of Hawthorn last weekend in a re-match of last year's Grand Final.

The disappointment of failing to compete with the Hawks in the decider spurred the club on to look for a big improvement this year.

They were above Alastair Clarkson's side until last round, and had won eight of their previous nine games, but their display against the reigning premiers did little to convince sceptics that they are about to win the flag.

Sydney are only the seventh-best scoring side in the competition this season, despite the presence of three-time Coleman Medallist Franklin.

Franklin has now kicked more goals than any other active player, with 701, including 42 this year.

Overall though, the club have only scored 100 points of more three times so far, and Smith admits the Swans have at times been too predictable in relying on their superstar forward.

Sydney are 9/2 to win the Grand Final.

"I think it's generally been okay during the year, probably a few games where we've gone to 'Bud' too much," he said.

"That's something we've got to keep working on, that we don't want to just use him. It's important if we want to score goals it's got to be many contributors."

Sydney are averaging 16 fewer points this year than in 2012, when they won the premiership, despite having recruited both Franklin Kurt Tippett since then.

Smith says it's important for both midfielders and forwards to create more scoring opportunities and vary their entries into their forward 50 more.

"If we do go to 'Buddy' all the time it becomes predictable and easier for sides to defend," he added. "It's really important that we do have different avenues to goal."

Sydney are 13/5 to win their next game against West Coast, who are 3/10.