If Sydney are to give departing coach Paul Roos a fairytale send-off, it appears they will do it without star forward Daniel Bradshaw.

But the Swans are getting used to overcoming obstacles in 2010.

Written off after a gaping hole was left in their roster, Sydney have silenced the critics by booking an AFL home final.

They clinched fifth spot with a 38-point win over Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night - Roos' 200th game as Swans coach.

In keeping with their season, the Swans had to do it tough after losing Tadhg Kennelly (knee) and young gun Daniel Hannebery (back/hamstring) before the bounce.

Both are expected to be fit for next Sunday's elimination final against Carlton at ANZ Stadium.

But it appears Bradshaw's bold push to feature in the finals is over.

Making his comeback from a knee injury after being sidelined for three months, Bradshaw limped off the field 18 minutes into the third quarter of the Swans reserves' clash in Canberra on Saturday.

The 31-year-old sat out the entire 2007 season due to a knee reconstruction.

"It was do or die pretty much (on Saturday)," Bradshaw told Canberra reporters.

"I just had to test it out.

"I knew if I didn't get through that was probably it for the season."

Roos gave little away on Saturday night when asked about Bradshaw.

"He played 60, 65 minutes. We will wait and see how his knee pulls up," Roos told reporters at the Gabba.

"The crucial period is the next couple of days - if it is sore or not sore."

But the Swans already have an X-factor - Kieren Jack.

He proved the difference against the Lions, grabbing three goals and 26 touches in a best on ground performance.

"Any teams coming up against him will want to have a bit of a look at him," Lions coach Michael Voss warned.

"His hard running and work around the stoppages is very good at the moment.

"I'm sure there'll be plenty of teams having a look at the influence he's having."

And there is no problem with depth either, judging by the encouraging debut of Sam Reid (one goal, 13 touches) against the Lions following their last minute player withdrawals.

Certainly Roos couldn't find too many negatives.

How times have changed.

Sydney looked gone in 2010 after losing the likes of Michael O'Loughlin, Leo Barry, Darren Jolly, Barry Hall and Jared Crouch in the off-season.

And eyebrows were raised again when Sydney recently suffered four losses in six games - including back-to-back 50 point-plus beltings.

Four straight wins later and Roos is allowing himself a satisfied smile ahead of the finals - for now at least.

"I mentioned that to the players after the game, I think it's been an amazing effort, given we have had so many players out," Roos said.

"It's a little bit of a time to reflect and then remind them it starts again next week but it is a really good effort from us as a footy club."

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