Sydney Swans coach John Longmire said it wasn’t worth risking Josh Kennedy for Sunday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs, after the star midfielder suffered hamstring tightness in last week’s win over St Kilda.

Kennedy, along with fellow midfielder Craig Bird, were left out of the Swans’ extended squad on Thursday night due to injury, with Rhyce Shaw, Nick Smith, Tom Mitchell, Tim Membrey and Toby Nankervis all in contention to take their places for this weekend’s match.

Speaking to media ahead of the club’s Friday training session, Longmire said while Kennedy had recovered well this week, the club wouldn’t risk playing the 26-year-old this Sunday.

“We weren’t going to risk him and we are just pleased that there was no real damage there and he’s feeling good today,” he said.

“It wasn’t worth even getting to the point of pushing him on the training track and we didn’t want to take that risk with him so we’ve made sure that this weekend he doesn’t play and he should be right for next week.”

Kennedy’s injury will snap a 127 consecutive game streak for the midfielder, who will also miss his first Swans match in his five seasons at the club.

Longmire said he thought Kennedy might feel a bit out of sorts this weekend, given his remarkably consistent playing record.

“I don’t think that he’s quite attuned to sitting down and watching it on the television, so it’s something a little bit different for him,” Longmire said about Kennedy’s week off.

“He’s been terrific as far as games played for this footy club, but it was just not worth risking it.”

Longmire also confirmed that signs were looking positive for Bird, who sustained a knee injury last Saturday against the Saints.

The coach said Bird could return as soon as next week, after pulling up well from a posterior cruciate ligament strain.

“Craig hurt his posterior cruciate, which is what we suspected right after the game,” he said.

“It could have been a longer-term injury, like a four weeker, but the way he’s responded and the way he’s come back, we’re hoping that it’s just this week, which would be a great result.

“He’s looking really good this week and we’re hopeful that he’ll play next week at this point.”

Ben McGlynn is also making steady progress from his calf injury and is a chance of returning for the Swans next week for the final regular season match against Richmond.

Longmire said he was optimistic that McGlynn, who was named among the best in the club's victory over Port Adelaide two weeks ago, would be back for next week’s clash.

"He won't play this week, he'll probably go for a slow jog and start his training program as of today," Longmire said.

"He's a chance next week, but we'll make that decision next week.

"At the moment he's feeling good and starts his running program today and over the weekend and we'll see how he goes next week."

With the final team set to be announced Friday at 5:00pm, Longmire said defenders Rhyce Shaw and Nick Smith were strong chances of returning, while Tom Mitchell could also be in the mix.

“If Rhyce Shaw and Nick Smith get through training they will be selected,” he said.

“They need to come back in and play the game.

“Tom Mitchell will also be close.

“We just need to see how he trains today and discuss what he’s done in the last couple of weeks before we make that decision.

“Obviously he’s an inside midfielder and we’ve lost a couple, so whether he’s done enough in the last couple of weeks, we’ll make that decision after training.”