SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 20: Swans head coach for the day Jarrad McVeigh talks to players during the third quarter break during the 2016 NAB Challenge AFL match between the Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide Power at Blacktown International Sportspark on February 20, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Sydney co-captain Jarrad McVeigh looks set to miss the Swans' round one clash with Collingwood due to a knee injury.
McVeigh's recovery from off-season knee surgery has taken longer than expected and he is yet to resume full training.
Coach John Longmire conceded that McVeigh, and veteran Ben McGlynn are both unlikely to play in the season opener.
"That'll unfold over the next few weeks. It's a bit hard at this point three weeks out to be able to focus on where those guys will be in their program," he said.
"They're all stepping it up, they've all had pretty good build ups, but in Jarrad's case he's unlikely to be around for round one."
Meanwhile, Brisbane midfielder Allen Christensen will miss the remainder of the NAB Challenge after undergoing minor finger surgery.
The former Geelong premiership player had a cyst removed from his finger but is expected to be fit for the Lions' round one clash with West Coast.