The Sydney Swans will be without co-captain Jarrad McVeigh for Saturday’s clash with Carlton.

McVeigh is one of four changes for the Round 18 match-up at the SCG after the 31-year-old “tweaked” his groin during training this week.

McVeigh joins Ted Richards (omitted), Ben McGlynn (omitted) and Zak Jones (ankle) on the sidelines to be replaced by Isaac Heeney, Harry Cunningham, Xavier Richards and debutant Jordan Foote..

It will be the first time since the opening three rounds of the season Sydney will be without the 279-gamer who’s had an exceptional season to date.

After an interrupted preseason, McVeigh has since strung together 13 consecutive matches and has been a strong contributor across the half-back line averaging 20 disposals, four tackles and four rebound 50s per game.

He's also been a strong voice within a plucky Swans outfit which will be even younger come Saturday afternoon given absence of experienced trio in McVeigh, Richards and McGlynn.

Speaking to SwansTV for Centrum Team Selection, senior coach John Longmire was hopeful that McVeigh's injury was only a minor setback.

“Obviously being a training injury, it doesn’t give him much time to get ready for Saturday’s game,” Longmire said.

“He was running in a straight line, hurt his groin, felt a twinge, so unfortunately he’ll be unavailable for this weekend.

“We’re hoping that’s all it is.”

Click here to view the full squad.