Missing a week of football will not automatically rule out defender Nic Newman for the Sydney Swans’ final home and away match of the season, according to Head of Football Tom Harley.

Newman was the unlucky player to make way for returning skipper Josh Kennedy ahead of last weekend’s clash with Adelaide.

It would have been an easier decision for the Match Committee given Newman went into the week under an injury cloud, having hyper-extended his knee in a clash with teammate Kurt Tippett in the win over Fremantle the previous week.

But Newman did all was required to prove himself fit and be right in the mix to retain his spot.

He was ultimately named as an emergency and travelled with the squad to Adelaide. Ideally, he’d have played for Rhyce Shaw’s NEAFL Swans but couldn’t make the game.

“He recovered really well and trained strongly last Wednesday before the Friday night game against the Crows,” Harley said.

“The unfortunate part for Nic, apart from not playing in the seniors, the reserves played on the Gold Coast on Saturday, and as travelling emergency (for the seniors) to Adelaide– it all gets a bit complicated – he couldn’t get to the Gold Coast.

“So he didn’t actually play but was certainly fit and able to, and will again be in the frame to play this week.”

Newman’s managed 17 games since debuting in Round 2 earlier this season, averaging 20 disposals at 71 per cent efficiency in an important role in defence.

Meanwhile, Kennedy got through the thrilling win over Adelaide unscathed.

The skipper, in his first game back for three weeks after recovering from a hamstring strain, finished with a team-high 31 disposals as well as seven tackles, five clearances and a goal.