Sydney coach John Longmire believes Callum Sinclair has thrived with the heavy responsibility of carrying the side's ruck load this season.

The sudden retirement of Kurt Tippett and a season-ending knee injury for Sam Naismith robbed the Swans of their two best big men over summer, but Sinclair has stepped in to be a key player.

The 27-year-old has played all 11 games in 2018 and churned out career-best numbers for disposals, marks, hit-outs and clearances.

Sinclair overcame a strong start from Matthew Kruezer to be one of the best afield in Sydney's 30-point win over Carlton on Friday night, and Longmire paid tribute to the efforts of his ruckman post-match.

"He's been shouldering a big load but he's going alright at the moment," Longmire said.

"He's a pretty fit bloke and he gets around the ground pretty well, and he's been competing well.

"I think he's just growing in confidence knowing that he's got a pretty important role in the team and he's fulfilling that most weeks.

"The majority of the weeks he's been going quite well, he was a little bit down last week, but he was up against a very good player, as he was tonight.

"The responsibility is firmly on his shoulders and so far, he's been pretty good."

While the majority of the players on both sides struggled with their ball handling and skills at the SCG, Sydney midfielder Isaac Heeney once again stood out.

The 22-year-old finished with 22 possessions, four tackles and two goals against the Blues, and was a constant threat for the visitors when resting inside 50.

"He was good all night, Isaac, and really clean with his marking," Longmire said.

"He probably could have kicked four or five in the end, but he's been good for a few weeks."

The Swans are expected to regain small forward Tom Papley for next Saturday's clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, after he was rested for round 11.

Longmire said Papley has been battling some minor niggles and will benefit greatly from the week off.