SYDNEY veterans Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh are in the box seat to return from injury against Collingwood in Saturday night's crunch clash, while Dan Hannebery could also be a surprise starter at the SCG.

Jack (knee), McVeigh (broken collarbone) and Hannebery (calf) were all hurt in the Swans' costly loss to Geelong on July 5.

The trio haven't played since, missing losses to Gold Coast and Essendon that have resulted in Sydney slipping out of the top eight.

The Swans, confronting the prospect of missing finals for the first time since John Longmire took charge in 2011, will have a few tough selection calls to make this week.

MATCH PREVIEW Swans v Magpies

Longmire's verdict will be shaped by how Jack, McVeigh and Hannebery perform at training on Thursday, but all three are in the mix to face the Magpies.

McVeigh's calmness has been sorely missed in defence during the past fortnight. The former captain will be doing everything he can to prove his fitness, having already impressed on the track last week.

"Jarrad is certainly pushing his case," football manager Tom Harley said.

"He pushed hard last week, but the collarbone wasn't in the position to stand up to the rigours of AFL footy.

"He will train again on Thursday and we will make a call.

"Jarrad is confident and feeling more and more comfortable, so it would be great to have him back."

Jack appears a likely starter, unless Longmire decides the 31-year-old needs a game in the reserves to regain match fitness.

"We are fully expecting him to get through that (training session on Thursday) and be available for selection," Harley said.

"We are really hopeful that Kieren will get up to play."

Hannebery is unlikely to be rushed back from his second calf injury this season, especially if it means Sydney have three underdone players returning from injury in the must-win match.

But Harley noted the midfielder is yet to be ruled out.

"Dan has returned to full training this week and a bit like Macca, he will be pushing quite hard," Harley said.

"We just need to get through the main training session on Thursday and make a call.

"He has missed the three games with a calf injury, but hasn't had any setbacks and is in good conditioning and training form."

Sydney has dropped four of its past five games.