Sydney are hoping the cautious approach with a pair of their hampered players will have them near full strength next week, as Dean Cox's men look to rebound from a loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.
The Swans fell to the Dogs by nine points at the SCG after being forced into making two of their three changes for the game.
One of those alterations occurred an hour prior to the opening bounce, with defender Tom McCartin ruled out late with illness, opening the door for fringe tall Jack Buller to play his second career game, and first since 2023.
The loss of McCartin was compounded when veteran Dane Rampe was subbed out of the game in the third term with a calf complaint, with the veteran Swan on ice for the final stages of the match.
Speaking to the media after the defeat, Cox provided the latest on Rampe, as the club took a "cautious" approach with the 35-year-old.
"His calf just got a little bit tight," Cox explained.
"We were just a little bit cautious about him going back out there and something might happen.
"It was about making sure we look after him first as well.
The Swans are hopeful of having both McCartin and forward Joel Amartey, who suffered a hamstring injury at training this week, back for Round 17 when they host the Dockers.
Cox said Amartey's late concern was too much of a risk to gamble on for the Dogs clash, with the week off placing him in the frame to return next Sunday.
"Joel's (injury) was really late and slight, but it was still a risk," Cox said.
"With his history, it had become too much of a risk. We expect him to train throughout the week and make himself available.
"Tommy is the same."
Buller managed to have an impact in the game for what was his first full match at the level, booting his first career goal in the final term when the game was on the line.
Given the circumstances of his inclusion, Buller's impact was lauded by his coach.
"To come in (to the side) an hour and 10 minutes before the game (and impact, was good)," Cox said.
"To be told this morning he's not playing VFL and you're only a chance to play AFL, then to come in and compete and have a presence. That's all we asked.
"I thought he did that."
Sydney have dropped to 12th spot on the ladder so far this round, with wins for either Melbourne or St Kilda potentially dropping them further.
The Swans will look to record their seventh win of the season next weekend when they host Fremantle at the SCG on Sunday, July 6.
