The Swans are seventh on the Riverina Football League ladder after 10 rounds, one win outside the top five.

While Griffith remain in the hunt, Groves said they had left themselves plenty of work to do.

“We’ve just got to start stringing wins together. We’re losing opportunities to do that,” he said.

“To keep in contact with the top five, you have to win games. It’s not so much even about percentage anymore. It’s just about winning.”

That quest starts on Saturday when the Swans travel to take on Narrandera.

The Eagles have only won twice this season and are unlikely to threaten the top five, but Groves said the home team could prove dangerous.

“They were competitive against a lot of sides across the first round,” he said. 

“They’ve got a young side and have only had a couple of wins, but they did beat Collingullie, who are a fair side, so you can’t let your guard down.”

One of the biggest challenges the Swans face is picking themselves up from last week’s four-point loss to second-placed Leeton-Whitton.

It was a match Griffith could have easily won, Groves admitting the playing group was shattered by the defeat.

“We came so close, so it did hurt a lot,” he said.

“We probably did outplay them in the end, but they were a bit more efficient kicking for goal and going inside 50, whereas we weren’t that efficient.

“We had so many opportunities to win it, but we didn’t get over the line in the end.”

If the Swans are to make a charge towards the premiership, they will likely have to do it without Michael Griffiths.

The ruckman broke his arm against the Wagga Tigers two weeks ago, Groves confirming Griffiths could be sidelined anywhere between six and 12 weeks.

“We’re not likely to see him again (this season),” Groves said. “But we won’t lose all hope because he’s a vital part of our side.”