STAR defender Dane Rampe is a chance to lead a youthful Sydney squad into next month's AFLX competition.

Swans captain Josh Kennedy is unlikely to take part in the debut of the new format after easing into his pre-season campaign, while fellow big guns Lance Franklin, Dan Hannebery, Isaac Heeney, Heath Grundy and Kieren Jack are also set to miss.

Rampe and fellow vice-captain Luke Parker are two of the club's senior players in line to face the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast at Allianz Stadium on February 17, and may rotate the captaincy in Kennedy's absence.

The 2016 All Australian was one of the standouts when the Swans trialed an AFLX-style scratch match in warm conditions on Monday involving a rotation of three teams.

"There was a lot of fast transitions and not many stoppages, so that's something you've got to adapt to and deal with," Rampe said.

"We're still getting a feel for it, so we'll probably have a quick look at it the week before we play and go from there.

"For this time in the pre-season it's a good opportunity to experience something different and hone your skills."

AFLX has been widely tipped to favour the smaller players, but draftee Tom McCartin was one of the young Swans to show some exciting signs playing as a key forward, with the Victorian's ability in the air and at ground level particularly impressive.

Rampe has spent time opposed to McCartin over summer and he's quickly become a fan of the tall target.

"I really like the way Tommy has gone about it," he said.

"I don't know if it's the benefits of growing up with older brothers but he looks ready made.

"That's probably a little bit too much pressure to put on him but he looks comfortable with the physicality of it, and I think that's a big tick for someone coming in so young.

"Obviously it's going to be a pretty hard team to break into but we've really liked what we've seen so far."

Jarrad McVeigh took part in Monday's session and moved well in a great sign for the new season after struggling over summer for the past two years with injury.

The 300-gamer is another likely to miss AFLX as the Swans aim to make sure their squad is as healthy as possible heading into round one of the home and away season.