In an ever-shifting sports landscape, the Sydney Swans have embraced their nomadic nature in 2021.
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James Bell and his teammates have been on the road for six weeks due to the ongoing NSW COVID outbreak.
The Swans and Giants fled to Melbourne before the borders closed on June 22, before shifting to Queensland last month as the situation worsened in Victoria.
They are now back in Melbourne.
However, the constant moves haven't fazed the Swans, who are banging on the door of the top four.
"The mentality has been whatever comes our way, we just take it and adapt it. We adapt to anything really," Bell told Australian Community Media.
"But wherever we've gone, it's surprised me how much support we've had.
"Especially when we played in Geelong, that was a real eye opener, but we also had it up there on the Gold Coast.
"It obviously helps when we're winning but it's good to know that wherever we go, we have support there."
While they remain focused on tasting success, the Swans have also worked hard to create a good team environment away from footy.
"We get around each other a fair bit, but there's also down time where we do our own thing," the AFL South Coast product said.
"We respect each other's alone time and then do group activities
"I like to socialise. I can go from one group who like playing chess and board games to going fishing with Isaac [Heeney], or playing golf.
"Everyone has their hobbies and I like participating in everything."
That relaxed attitude has coincided with Bell finding his feet in the AFL.
After accumulating 10 games in his first two seasons, the Shellharbour junior has played 11 matches in 2021, predominately coming off the bench.
"This pre-season, we were given roles to play in the team.
"In previous years, I think they put you in to reward good form, whereas now it's because you play an important role in the team," the 22-year-old said.
"The forwards pretty much start the defence off, so my role is to get back and support the defenders.
"If the forwards don't do that, it can cost us. It all stems from there."
While happy with Sydney's form, Bell believes they still have plenty to achieve this season. The Swans will look to notch up their 14th victory when they face St Kilda on Saturday night.
"I think, last year, whenever we got the lead, we'd just try hold it and hope to get the win. It wasn't a mindset that we wanted," he said.
"This year, when we're in front, we put them to the sword and see if they can keep up.
"We're not content on just making the top eight.
"We want to get into the top four and whoever steps in front of us, they're going to get it."
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