WINLESS Sydney is set to get a timely boost, with former co-captain Jarrad McVeigh available to play his first game of the season, but it remains to be seen whether it will be in the senior side or reserves.
Midfielder-half back McVeigh's polished ball use has been sorely missed by the turnover-prone Swans.
Sydney's current longest serving player with 287 games across 13 previous seasons, he missed all of their pre-season games with a calf injury.
McVeigh 32, was poised to return for the Sydney derby in round five, but hamstring tightness delayed his much needed and anticipated return.
Provided he has no setbacks at training on Wednesday and Friday, McVeigh will return against the Brisbane Lions in either the AFL or NEAFL at the SCG on Sunday.
"Barring any setbacks, he'll play this week, he's available," Swans' head of football Tom Harley said on Tuesday.
"He's had a significant block of training now, he's been close for the past couple of weeks.
"We've got a final training session on the Friday then the game on Sunday so there's plenty of time for Macca to press his case.
"He'll play this week – he's available – with regards to where he plays it will obviously be determined later in the week.
"It'll be great to have him back as he’s such an integral part of the team."
Injury-prone utility Gary Rohan, who spent a night in hospital after a nasty collision with Carlton's Sam Rowe last Saturday, is unlikely to play this weekend, despite scans clearing him of any structural damage.
"He suffered a concussion and some whiplash as well, so he's quite sore," Harley said.
"He'll go through he concussion protocols this week.
"It's unlikely he'll play, but he's back at the club and in good spirits."
Ruckman Kurt Tippett (hip flexor) and defender Harrison Marsh (hamstring), who both missed last week's game, will be tested on Friday.
"Every chance both will be available," Harley said.