Sydney coach John Longmire has detailed the playing status for stat midfielder Luke Parker as a week-to-week matter, with the former Swans captain backed to have an impactful return sometime this season.
After overcoming a broken arm sustained in the pre-season, Parker has been available to play over the past three weeks but is yet to return to Longmire's side.
The three-time Bob Skilton Medal winner will suit up for his third VFL game on Saturday against North Melbourne, where he'll again press his case for a recall after a dominant opening two matches against Box Hill and GWS.
Sydney's senior side is currently flying and in premiership favouritism, with Longmire's engine room especially humming in the absence of its hard-nosed leader.
Speaking after Friday's 48-point win over Fremantle, Longmire said he is confident Parker will come into the side soon and have an immediate impact in his return.
The club will continue to weigh up team balance and each new opponent, meaning Parker and others, facing altering prospects at selection each week.
"The balance of the team, with the mix we had this week, was what we needed to play against Freo," Longmire said when questioned on Parker's absence.
"That can change from any week. We'll see how the week progresses, but we want to make sure we can get the best team that can help us.
"At some stage Luke is going to be part of that, and a really important part. I'm really confident of that. So we just felt that tonight, we picked the best team to give us the best chance.
"He wants to play senior footy, he's been terrific. His attitude has been fantastic. He's a real leader, important player of our foot club and he's been such a big presence for a long time.
"But at the same time, he wants to play senior footy, and I think everyone would understand that. Sometimes these things happen.
"If he keeps playing well, he'll come into the side and play well. I'm sure of that. We're confident Luke will be good enough and fit enough, given he missed a significant chunk of the season.
"He should be fit and hard and ready to go. At some stage he will come into the team and play, and that'll be a good thing."
The Swans came away from the trip to Perth without any injury concerns, with star defender cleared of concussion despite not seeing out the end of the game following a collision.
Blakey suffered a 'knock on his nose' and was not risked in the final stages of the win over Fremantle, while sub-Robbie Fox replaced fellow backman Dane Rampe for tactical purposes.
The Swans could have defender Tom McCartin back in time for next Friday's exciting matchup against Carlton at the SCG, with the Sydney stopper needing to exit concussion protocols in time to be cleared to play.
Following a year where McCartin spent a large period out of action due to head trauma, the club continues to take the needed caution for the 24-year-old's health.
"I don't know yet, he's in the protocols. It's probably too early to make a call," Longmire said of McCartin.
"We go into Carlton next week. They've got a couple of pretty handy players, but it's more about how Tom responds to the protocols.
"We'll know more next week."
