The outstanding pre-season form of dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes continued in Coffs Harbour on Saturday night.

Goodes kicked four goals roaming the forward line as Sydney overcame a lacklustre St Kilda 12.12 (84) to 8.5 (53) in a practice AFL match.

Despite his captain kicking 10 goals in the past two matches, new coach John Longmire said it was impossible for him to lock a player of Goodes' versatility into only one position.

"Adam has shown the ability to play well anywhere," Longmire said.

"Be that midfield or forward he'll continue to be able to play really variable teams with him because he's able to adapt so quickly.

"He's obviously a quality forward and can kick goals when he's close to our forward line but we know he's a quality midfielder as well so he'll play in a number of different roles."

Goodes combined well with Jesse White as they took turns alternating between the goal square and high half forward.

A Swans defensive unit missing the likes of Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Tadgh Kennelly and Nick Malceski restricted the St Kilda attack to only eight goals.

Heath Grundy curtailed the influence of Saints' skipper Nick Riewoldt who kicked only one goal from limited opportunities but the victorious coach said the task was made easier by help offered further afield.

"It's always about every player that you've got on the ground, it's not just about your back six," he said.

"That six played well but there was some really good pressure all over the ground."

Aside from a period in the second quarter when the Saints drew to within three points, it was generally a performance that lacked the intensity the club has become renowned for under Ross Lyon's stewardship.

"We need to improve on that," was Lyon's succinct summation of his team's display.

The Swans kicked five of the first six goals after the main break to seal the 31 point win.

"After half time we struggled to match the intensity and the run.

"That's probably reflective that through circumstance we're six weeks behind some of those teams which is a little bit of a worry because through circumstance we're not ideally positioned but against those constraints we're working hard."

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