Sydney Swans set the defensive standard in the AFL Mr Reliable Ted Richards - one of the few of Sydney Swans' experienced defenders still standing. Picture: Philip Hillyard. EXTRA homework and meetings are the reasons the Sydney Swans defence remains the No.1-ranked back six in the AFL despite losing four members of their premiership combination to injury this season. There is nothing random about the rag-tag recycled Swans defence, remaining the hardest nut to crack in the AFL despite having to find replacements for Alex Johnson (knee), Rhyce Shaw (pelvis), Lewis Roberts-Thomson and Marty Mattner (hip), who is still a small chance to return against the Crows in Adelaide on Saturday. Tall defender Heath Grundy, All Australian full-back Ted Richards, small defender Nick Smith and rebounder Nick Malceski are the only players still standing in the backline that helped bring the AFL premiership to Sydney last year. Rookie Dane Rampe has cemented his spot as Johnson's medium-sized replacement, while Malceski and Jarrod McVeigh have spent more time on the half back flank to cope with the loss of Shaw. On the surface it appeared to be a seamless transition for the defensive unit, but Grundy yesterday revealed it was only with extra meetings and focused work with new defenders that they have been able to remain the best defence in the AFL. "I didn't even know Ramps six months ago," Grundy said. So of course a lot of hard work goes in with pre-season and working with the coaches, working as a group. Understanding what each other can do and a few things like that. To his credit and a few of the other boys as well, they've been able to come down and play some solid defensive roles. It's been really good for us. Last year we were pretty settled all year. We didn't have too many changes. It's always nice to be able to run with the same guys every week and know how they play. This year's been a bit different with injuries to Marty and Shawy and LRT and Johnson. We've had Ramps and Jarrod McVeigh slide into halfback at different times. It's changed the look up a bit, which has worked well for us. We probably started a little scratchy, but the last couple of weeks we've found some form and started playing the footy we want to. Champion Data stats show the Swans are the No.1-ranked team for scores conceded per inside 50. In 2013 the Swans have been scored against on 41 per cent of the time their opposition enter their red zone, compared to 42 per cent in 2012, when they were also ranked top. Forward pressure from midfielders and forwards have helped the Swans concede the second-fewest points in the AFL this season, behind Fremantle.