The bad news is that a large percentage of their 2021 squad had not played AFL before this year.

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After making the grand final last year, in their second year of existence, the Swans now had to "develop" a style, assistant coach Brendan George said.

Speaking after the Saints beat the Swans by 28 points (7.7-49 to 3.3-21) in a season-opener at a wet No 1 Oval on Saturday afternoon, George said more than half his side had not played AFL before this season.

"And it's good," he said. "They've got enthusiasm - they want to get out there.

"They're learning every game: what works, what doesn't work. And we're still working out who goes in what position, what style they want to play."

George said the exodus of players, following the loss to Gunnedah in the 2020 finale, was normal for footy.

He added: "We'll develop our style. We're setting ourselves for a whole season."

George said that playing Inverell first-up was a bonus because "they're a good physical team".

Inverell led by three points after the first quarter and were never headed.

The half-time score was 2.4-16 to 1.1-7.

Inverell kicked away after the break, booting five goals to one.

The Swans' players' player was Bronte Chillingworth, while the captain's award went to Kathleen Voon.

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