The Roos are facing a must-win game against Geelong before embarking on a favourable run home but Swallow says plenty of improvement is needed before they're a certainty to play in September
"We definitely need to play finals," Swallow told The Herald Sun's Jay Clark.
"That's something that we are in a position now (to do). I still think we can give ourselves every opportunity to play and to win and go deep (in September) but we've got a lot of stuff in between to do before we get there."
Veteran Brent Harvey said on AFL 360 earlier this week the players have been "scared to make mistakes" and produced "complacent football" against sides they should have beaten. After missing out last year, Swallow is determined his side has what it takes to make it.
"At least we know if we can get ourselves into a final, if we can deliver what we are really capable of, then we can challenge anyone," he said.
North leadership coach Cameron Ling believes the group will play finals and begin to fulfil its potential.
"I've got no doubt they will eventually achieve genuine success because they're such great quality people who want to do it," Ling said.
The last time North played finals was in 2012 and it was a forgettable experience for all involved. The club was crushed in a 96-point belting by the West Coast Eagles at Patersons Stadium.
"We are definitely a better side than that now," Swallow said.
"We are on a journey and it hasn't been easy and it hasn't been smooth sailing. We don't admit to being perfect but we are heading in the right direction."
