The Sydney Swans will welcome back former skipper Kieren Jack for Thursday night's crunch game against the Western Bulldogs.

Jack hasn't played since Round 5 after medicos decided to give the 29-year-old time to rehabilitate a persistent hip injury which wreaked havoc on his form during the early part of the season.

Jack suffered the injury during the pre-season and played through discomfort for the benefit of his young side, but his fluctuating form eventually forced coach John Longmire's hand.

After a solid training block Jack returns alongside ruckman Sam Naismith, the duo replacing youngster Ollie Florent and ruck-forward Kurt Tippett (both omitted) for the blockbuster clash at the SCG.

"We played him in the first month on the basis that we had a really young team," Longmire said of Jack on Centrum Team Selection.

"He had very little preparation (so) in hindsight we probably wouldn't have done it but at that particular point in time that's what we needed.

"He's had a much better preparation this time around so we're confident he'll be able to contribute to the team."

Jack's 215-game experience and proven leadership qualities is a timely boost, given Jarrad McVeigh's absence which was extended for a further two weeks on Wednesday as the veteran continues his recovery from calf issues.

Jack will be one of only six Swans with more than 170 games to his name.

Tippett would have been in that group but will instead play in Saturday's NEAFL game in Blacktown where Longmire hopes the 202cm, 105kg big man can rediscover some form.

It'll be Tippett's second game at the lower level this season after he booted four goals, 34 hit-outs and collected 23 disposals in a best-on-ground performance in Canberra in what was a return from a hip injury.

Naismith, in his first game back after recovering from a medial strain, will share the ruck work with Callum Sinclair.

Florent has been named as one of three emergencies alongside Aliir Aliir and Harry Marsh.

Click here to view the full team.