AFL great Brendon Goddard has implored the Swans not to get ahead of themselves, citing St Kilda's 2021 season as an example of what could possibly go wrong.
Sydney had a young list coming into this season, and therefore, there were fewer expectations following their 16th-placed finish in 2020.
However, immediate impact from numerous up-and-coming players saw the Swans soar into the top eight, before losing a close final to the Giants.
While many may expect the club to continue their progression up the ladder, Goddard believes Sydney must be careful to avoid St Kilda's precedent.
The Saints beat the Western Bulldogs before going down narrowly to Richmond in the 2020 finals series, but struggled for momentum in 2021 to finish 10th.
“There is a bit of a trap in that,” he told AFL Trade Radio’s Trade Mornings when asked if the Swans can push on in 2022.
“You look back to our old team in the Saints, I think initially two years ago they were four or five years away, and then they had such a good year last year in 2020, they won their final and thought, ‘maybe we’re closer than we think,’ and then recruitment would suggest that’s where they were headed.
“Now it’s a bit of a reality check, as we touched on the other day with (St Kilda President) Andrew Bassat coming out and saying, ‘No, we’re actually two or three years away,’ so there was a bit of mixed messaging in all of that.
“I think the initial plan was great, it was coming together, and then (they decided to fast-track it) because the guys are going a bit better than they thought.
“That’s where strong leadership and keeping a sense of reality and not getting too carried away with one year is really important.
Star Swans defender Jordan Dawson has requested a trade to Adelaide, but outside of that move, the club looks set to enter next season with a similar playing list.