Sunday's important clash with North Melbourne looms as a massive test for Sydney's depth after a week of significant injury blows.

The loss of Jarrad McVeigh (collarbone), Kieren Jack (knee) and Dan Hannebery (calf) in last week's loss to Geelong has robbed the Swans of 761 games of experience across all three areas of the ground.

There's little doubt that John Longmire has built some impressive depth amongst his squad in recent seasons, but that depth will come under the microscope with the experienced trio set to miss multiple games.

Midfielder Harry Cunningham (96 games) is one of a number of younger Swans expected to fill the void, and is ready to embrace his chance against the Kangaroos.

"We haven't really spoken about it, but what it does do is give other guys an opportunity, and we've been working on it for a number of years now," he said on Friday.

"I'm in my seventh year now and I'm always looking to grow as a leader and develop that side of my character.

"You can't replace the guys that are going out, but we do back our depth in.

"Guys like myself and Jake Lloyd down back have played a fair bit of senior footy now, but we've been trying to do that week in week out even with the leaders there, because you can't leave it up to them all the time."

Despite the loss of McVeigh, Jack and Hannebery, the Swans were able to bring Isaac Heeney (concussion), Tom Papley (hip) and Gary Rohan (hamstring) back into the 22 to face North at Etihad Stadium.

Irishman Colin O'Riordan has also been picked to debut against the Kangaroos.

The dashing defender is a great story after coming to the Swans as a rookie at the end of 2015, with the 22-year-old in sparkling form in the NEAFL this year under reserves coach and 2005 premiership backman Tadhg Kennelly.

"It's a great story coming from 15,000km away and he hadn't touched a footy until three years ago," Cunningham said.

"He's an attacking half back or winger who defends really well and can carry the footy, but what goes under the radar a bit is his ability to roll off and help his fellow defenders out.

"He's so passionate and determined to get to where he wants to be so I'm really happy for Colin.

"He's got some family flying all the way out from Ireland for the game so I'm sure he's looking forward to Sunday."