Coach John Longmire is contemplating the possibility of moving young star star Isaac Heeney to defence as he looks to return to the senior side.

The Swans will take on the Blues without attacking defender Zak Jones, who mill miss the next 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury.

Jones cut a forlorn figure at training at the SCG on Tuesday, with the 21-year-old hobbling around on crutches.

Heeney gathered 29 possessions and kicked two goals in the NEAFL on Saturday, in what was the 20-year-old's first game back after being rested for the Swans' clash with Geelong in round 16.

Longmire said Heeney would be looked at to replace Jones in defence.

"That's a possibility," the coach said.

"He's very versatile and played really well on the weekend in our reserves.

"He was really lively through the midfield, he played forward, but we also know he's capable of playing back because he's so good overhead.

"Whether it's a couple of players that have been playing that role really well in the reserves, or just a change of roles in our senior team.

"We've got a few options but we haven't made the decision on who takes that role just yet."

Longmire defended the performance of star forward Lance Franklin in last week's disappointing five-point loss to Hawthorn at the SCG.

The three-time Coleman medallist gathered 19 possessions, took six marks and had six inside 50s against his former side, but failed to kick a goal for the first time since round eight last season.

"I think he played alright," Longmire said.

"If you're talking just (in terms of) goals, he didn't kick a goal but he contributed to quite a few.

"He was up the ground a bit and it's one thing to look at the goals contributed, but it's also good to look at the goals he was actually able to assist.

"If he kicks too many goals there's too much of a reliance on him, if he doesn't kick a goal, it's not enough."