SYDNEY Swans coach John Longmire has not discussed retirement with veteran Ted Richards, despite the club ruling the defender out of the next two matches as he continues to recover from concussion.

Richards missed last week's 26-point win over North Melbourne at the SCG after being knocked out in round nine against Hawthorn, and while subsequent scans cleared him of any significant damage, the Swans will give the 33-year-old another fortnight to get himself right.

It means that Richards will miss this week's clash with Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium, and what looks to be a crucial Sydney derby against the Giants at Spotless Stadium in round 12.

Longmire said on Monday that Richards is feeling better but the club has decided to be cautious with his recovery.

"He takes medical advice like we all do," Longmire said.

"We just listen to what the doctors say and in the end that's all we can go by.

"The doctors are confident after seeing his scans that he's good, and that's what gives him confidence as well.

"We thought we'd make the decision early and get him right over the next couple of weeks before he begins his preparation to get back to playing."

In better injury news, athletic forward Sam Reid pulled up well from his first game of the season in the NEAFL last week and could be in line for a recall to play the Suns on Saturday night. 

Reid has battled hamstring issues since February but after training solidly for the past six weeks, played about 90 minutes of footy in the reserves without issue. 

The 24-year-old had 12 possessions and kicked a goal in the Swans' 59-point win over Sydney University on Friday night, and when fit, gives the senior side an important target inside 50, but he's also played some big roles in defence.

With Richards and Michael Talia out injured, Longmire has used Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe and Jeremy Laidler as his key backs, so Reid might be a handy addition against the Suns to counter star forward Tom Lynch, who has kicked 34 goals this year.

"We know that we're a better team with Sam Reid playing well in our front half, but that doesn't mean we're not ever going to use him back," Longmire said.

"If we need too, we will.

"Whether that’s this week or next week we're not quite sure, we'll make that decision later in the week. 

"He said he feels fantastic so that’s a good sign, and the decision will get back too what we think he needs to do to play his best footy at senior level, as soon as he can." 

The Swans will go into round 11 as heavy favourites to beat Gold Coast, and after handing the Kangaroos their first loss of the season, their odds to win this year's premiership have shortened.

But Longmire laughed off talk that his side is the one to beat for this year's flag.

"I look at the calendar this morning and it's still May, and we're one game off seventh," he said.

"I just look at the facts, and they're the facts. 

"It's just not relevant to us, not relevant at all."