SYDNEY Swans defender Rhyce Shaw says the rumours surrounding teammate Lance Franklin's leave from the game haven't affected his side's focus ahead of their semi-final clash with North Melbourne on Saturday night. 

Franklin took an indefinite break from the club last week when it was revealed he was seeking treatment for an unspecified mental illness, and on Monday the Swans announced that Buddy would not return in season 2015.

Despite pleas from the club for privacy, there have been constant theories thrown up as reasons for the absence of the three-time Coleman medallist. 

Swans chairman Andrew Pridham felt compelled to address the situation in the media on Wednesday, but Shaw says that the playing group had given it little thought.

"It's par for the course really, stuff like that happens all the time, the innuendo that comes with stories has been happening for years, and they've been happening ever since I've played the game," Shaw said on Thursday morning.

"You can't really do much about it. We know the real story and we've said what's happening with Lance and we can't say much more.

"We've been totally open and honest with his situation and it's a real shame, but we can't control that.

"I know what Lance is going through, and the club has announced what the situation is and that's all we can do really."

Match preview: Swans v Kangaroos

Meanwhile, co-captain Kieren Jack (knee) was put through his paces at the SCG along with Nick Smith (hamstring) away from the main group, with both men backing up from a solid running session on Tuesday in an arduous fitness test in front of club doctor Nathan Gibbs.

Jack looked untroubled during straight-line running drills but was less convincing in agility work.

Swans general manager of football Tom Harley told Sky Racing radio on Thursday that Jack's selection was still up in the air.

"He's been a real surprise with the way he's recovered, he's recovered really well," Harley said.

"He's an absolute pro in the way he goes about getting himself up for games.

"We can't rule him in or out at this stage, but a week or so ago we didn't think he was a chance."

Smith looks a certainty to take on North should he pull up well from the hit-out.

The 27 year-old hasn't played since round 22 due to a slight hamstring strain, and Shaw said his inclusion would strengthen the Swans' already experienced defensive unit against a side with a host of dangerous forward options.

"They're in red-hot form, the big guys are playing well but their small guys like (Shaun) Higgins played a sensational game last week, and we've got to make sure we keep an eye on him and Robbie Nahas, and 'Boomer' (Brent Harvey) especially," Shaw said.

"It's just another challenge for us, our defence has held up really well and I think we've got the guys who can take care of them.

"We've played together all year, there's hasn't been to many ins and outs and we're really confident about the way we go about it.

"Finals is really based on defence and we feel as though across the board our defence is really good, both with our forwards, mids and backs, so we're really confident in that respect."