SYDNEY has been dealt a blow ahead of its clash with Carlton on Saturday, losing key forward Kurt Tippett to a hip injury.

The Swans have replaced Tippett with speedy forward James Rose, with rain a possibility to hit the MCG in the afternoon.

The club said Tippett suffered the injury at training this week, with Sam Reid likely to fill the void as the Swans' secondary ruckman against the Blues.

"Kurt was a bit sore in his hip so he is out and James Rose comes into the team for his first opportunity of the year," assistant coach Stuart Dew said.

Sydney is searching for its first win of the season after a sluggish start to 2017 following last year's Grand Final loss. The Blues will go into the clash unchanged.