VETERAN Sydney ruckman Peter Everitt has refused to look too far ahead after finally breaking into Sydney's senior line-up for the first time this year.

Everitt, who turns 34 on Saturday, replaces youngster Jesse White for Sunday's clash with the Bulldogs at the SCG.

Originally slated for a 10-week break after knee surgery in January, it has taken Everitt 16 weeks to regain his senior berth after two games with the Swans reserves.

"It's exciting. I haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face for the last week," he said ahead of Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs at the SCG.

Everitt said the delay in his return was because the knee surgery was more extensive than first anticipated.

"I am a little bit older than others, they had to give it a little more time," he said.

"I tried to run after 10 weeks but it still wasn't right, so they had to give it a couple of weeks and I'm fine now."

But Everitt was unwilling to be drawn on his playing plans beyond this year.

"You'd have to ask me about (it after) round 18 or 19," said the veteran of 275 games with St Kilda, Hawthorn and the Swans.

"It's a tough decision. Physically, if you're going okay that's probably only 50 per cent of it.

"It's quite mentally challenging to get yourself going each and every week."

White was the central figure in last weekend's extra-player drama against North Melbourne when he came onto the ground late in the final quarter without being replaced.

Sydney was fined $50,000 for the indiscretion during the match which ended in a draw.