Defender Nick Smith feels there’s plenty of room for improvement at AFL club Sydney.

The Swans, who enjoy their mid-season bye this weekend, are well placed to secure a top-four berth after banking nine wins in the opening 11 rounds.

They put on a second-quarter clinic against North Melbourne in round 11, booting five consecutive goals to bust the game wide open.

However the burst was followed by some sloppy turnovers, opening the door for a Kangaroos’ comeback that made for a tense finish at Etihad Stadium.

“There’s no doubt we can improve more,” Smith told AAP.

“We played some really good footy in the second quarter against North, but then we dropped away a little bit.

“Defensively we were ok all night, but some of our ball use in the second half meant we gave up easy goals.

“We want to play like we did in the second quarter, but for the entire game. It’s that consistency we’re chasing, putting our foot down the whole time.”

Smith suggested the Swans were somewhat content with their early form.

“We’re pretty happy with the start, 9-2 is a good start,” he said.

“But in saying that, it doesn’t mean much if we don’t capitalise on it.”

Smith spent time with his family in Melbourne during the break, but it was back to business on Thursday.

Coach John Longmire had a simple message for his charges after their last-start win over North.

“Relax for the next few days. Say g’day to your family and all that kind of thing, switch off from footy,” Smith said of Longmire’s words.

“But then come Thursday, make sure we clock in again and get ready for a big second half of the season.”

The Swans are chasing an elusive premiership like all 18 sides, but also grand-final redemption after being thumped by Hawthorn in the 2014 decider.

Longmire’s men face Richmond next Friday at the SCG.