Collingwood has ruled out ruckman Darcy Cameron for Friday's battle with former teammate and Sydney gun Brodie Grundy.
Cameron failed to pass a fitness test on Wednesday with a low-grade injured ankle, one he hurt against Hawthorn in Round 8.
The reigning Copeland Trophy winner hurt it again when facing Geelong last week, forcing him to come from the ground late in the match.
It won't be the only change for Craig McRae, with captain Darcy Moore and half forward Patrick Lipinski ruled out with concussion after sustained head knocks last week.
Veteran Scott Pendlebury will also be managed for the trip to face the Swans ahead of his V/AFL record-breaking match the following week in front of the home crowd at the MCG against West Coast.
Tew Jiath and Charlie West have produced strong outings in recent weeks in the VFL, which has turned the heads of the Collingwood selection committee.
Noah Howes, who switched from attack to defence last year, has put together a purple patch of form down back, and given the Swans' three-headed monster, he could earn a debut.
Sydney are tipped to welcome back Charlie Curnow from injury, while a squeeze on Joel Amartey, Logan McDonald and Hayden McLean is set to ensue.
Ed Allan is another Pie who is in line for a senior recall, as is Wil Parker.
Bobby Hill's progression has been delayed by the impending arrival of his child, with McRae suggesting he won't play any level of football this weekend.
"Bobby's partner is due this weekend," McRae said.
"We wish them well and we'll see how that all goes in the next couple of days.
"Watching Bobby and looking his GPS (numbers), there's still a level that he's not quite meeting. But he's played one full game (in the VFL) so we'll give him a bit of time and space."
