With Kurt Tippett on the sidelines for at least the next six weeks we take a closer look at who could replace the star big man.

Young ruckman Sam Naismith is in the frame to play just his second AFL game for the Swans after some solid performances in the NEAFL.

Naismith will be considered after kicking two goals against the Giants in his team's thrilling one-point loss on Sunday.

He also impressed in the Swans' big win over Gold Coast in the previous round and was named in their best. Naismith was recruited as a rookie in 2013 but was elevated off the rookie list in 2015. He signed a three-year deal with the club in September, 2015.

Regular back-up ruckman Toby Nankervis is also in the mix to replace Tippett after he was named an emergency for the Swans' senior team on Friday ahead of the clash with GWS.

The injury-cursed Gary Rohan finally had some luck after sitting out the last quarter of the game when his corked glute bled into his hamstring.

No damage to the muscle was found and he is expected to be available for selection against Melbourne on Sunday at the MCG, pending a fitness test later in the week.

However Harry Marsh will miss that game after hurting his hamstring.

George Hewett, who missed the round 12 game with concussion, is a chance of returning and so is exciting first-year player Tom Papley. After receiving a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round five, Papley has missed the past four games with a shin injury.

The Swans would have been keen to rush in tall forward Sam Reid for the SCG clash against Melbourne on Sunday, but the swingman has been ruled out for three weeks with a calf strain.

After booting two goals against the Giants' NEAFL team and dragging in eight marks, he suffered the injury early in the fourth term.