Sydney's hopes of a first victory of 2017 could rest on the availability of ruckmen Kurt Tippett and Sam Naismith after neither travelled with the team to Perth.

Both Tippett and Naismith were undergoing fitness checks back in Sydney on Wednesday to determine whether they'll be fit for Thursday's high-stakes clash with West Coast at Domain Stadium.

If neither is cleared, the bulk of Sydney's ruck duties will likely fall to ex-Eagle Callum Sinclair.

It could also mean key forward Sam Reid will be pressed into service as a backup ruckman.

It's another worry for a winless Swans team already desperate to discover winning form ahead of next Saturday's derby clash with GWS.

"(Tippett and Naismith) are both a chance to come over but we do have Cal Sinclair over here already," said Swans defender Nick Smith in Perth.

"It might be something the coaches are concerned about, but I think it will be fine.

"If that's the way it falls with Cal (Sinclair) doing the role without those guys, he'll definitely be looking forward to it.

"He has been in and out of the side a bit but it gives him a big opportunity if that's the case."

The Swans have conceded an uncharacteristically high average of 100 points a game so far in 2017.

But Smith felt only small changes were required, with senior players needing to show the way.

"I don't think the way we go about it will change. We do have to tighten up on a few things but our intent won't change from the way it's been," Smith said.

"Some of our young guys have been really good but some of the senior players have to lift their games and we just need to start winning."

The Eagles (2-1) are looking to bounce back from Saturday's loss at the MCG to Richmond and could be without forward Jack Darling who is battling an ankle complaint.