Instead, the veteran coach believes the club's sternest challenge will be avoiding COVID-19.

Ahead of this weekend's first round clash against the Inverell Saints, Kelly confirmed that a couple of Swans players are currently COVID-positive, but expects to have a near-full-strength side come Saturday.

However, he believes the coronavirus is "going to be one of the problems we have" throughout the season.

"If you get two or three blokes with COVID, then your team gets weakened a bit," Kelly said.

"I think that could be a problem, it's something we have to try and work out. Hopefully everybody stays healthy."

But, barring unforeseen circumstances, Kelly is confident the Swans will be able to get the season underway this Saturday with a fully-stocked team list against the Saints, who he predicts will be very tough.

"I'd say they'll be pretty strong, they have been for years," Kelly said.

"It's good to have the first game at home, and it depends how they travel. A lot of teams struggle for numbers when they play away, but I expect them to be pretty strong."

After a "really pleasing" trial game against the Coffs Harbour Breakers early this month, Kelly said the Swans will focus on their structure over the next few days.

"We want to work on our structure a bit more, how we set up around the ground at certain times and depending on where the footy is," he said.

"That's something that we'll keep practicing, and in the games is the best time to do it. We have a bit of structural stuff to work on, but otherwise I'm pretty happy with how we're going."

After a frustrating 2021 campaign, in which a number of single-digit losses prevented the Swans from securing the minor premiership, Kelly is particularly eager to make the most of the team's positive pre-season in order to set a good tone in the first game of the year.

"It's very important to get off to a good start," he said.

"Especially against a team like Inverell, it gives you a lot of confidence."

The Tamworth Swans will take on the Inverell Saints this Saturday, April 30, from 2pm at Tamworth No. 1 Oval.

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