SYDNEY Swans half-forward Ryan O’Keefe has withdrawn from Saturday night's clash against the Brisbane Lions with a bout of the flu.

First-year midfielder Patrick Veszpremi has replaced O’Keefe in the selected side.

O’Keefe's absence is a blow for the Swans as they attempt to secure a home final with a win against the Lions at the SCG.

With premiership players Michael O’Loughlin and Adam Goodes already missing, Paul Roos will be looking for Barry Hall to shoulder much of the responsibility in attack.

If the Swans lose tonight, they will finish eighth and travel to Melbourne for an elimination final, whereas a win would result in a home final.

The opponent in both cases will be dictated by St Kilda's result against Essendon on Sunday.