Rewarding form with senior spots is a never-ending and meticulous balancing act according to Swans coach John Longmire.

The Swans’ match committee has been spoilt for choice at the selection table with a healthy medical room and emerging second-tier depth.

With six players on the injury list as of Monday – only one of those considered long-term – the Swans have one of the healthiest lists in the league which means competition for spots is fierce.

Add to that “good problem” is a throng of players performing well at the lower level including Craig Bird and Dean Towers who, over the past 12 months, have been regulars within the senior side.

Bird, a 136-gamer and premiership player, has been one of an unlucky few to miss out due to Longmire’s continual search for stability.

And it seems Bird will have to wait his turn despite a string of superb performances in the NEAFL including 39 touches against Gold Coast on Saturday.

“Birdy has been playing well at the moment in our reserves, we just feel the balance of our side at the moment is working for us,” Longmire said.

“But that can always change. He’s doing what he needs to do so (why he’s out) is just a matter of other players making the most of their opportunities.

“We’re confident though if we need Birdy in any point in time, which I’m sure we will soon enough, that he’ll be able pick up that role that he’s been so good at for us.”

The challenge facing Bird is a reflection of the Swans’ evolving depth while the emergence of first-year recruit Isaac Heeney and the Round 9 debut of Daniel Robinson are others challenging the match committee week after week in 2015.

Both Robinson and Heeney have taken their opportunity and looked composed at the top level, while Longmire believes there are more with limited senior experience who could be called up and “play a role for us”.