ADAM Goodes and Kurt Tippett's knee injuries are continuing to cause problems, with both set to miss the start of the season in a blow to the Sydney Swans' new-look forward line.

Goodes and Tippett have both been on limited training programs and coach John Longmire said on Tuesday that the former is unlikely to be seen until at least round three or four.

The two-time Brownlow medallist hasn't played since round 13 last year and is still struggling to get on top of his troublesome knee.

Tippett had enjoyed a strong pre-season, but some recent tendonitis has set him back and the Swans' leading goalkicker from last season is in major doubt for the round one clash with GWS.

"They're both on a reduced program," Longmire said. "Tippett would probably be unlikely for round one, we'll have to wait and see how he goes.

"He's got a bit of tendonitis in his knee. He was going really well, we've just backed him off for the next week or so and then he'll go again.

"We've got a bye in that second week, which gives us another week to get him right.

"Goodesy is probably about round three or four, to hopefully set him up for a really good season for both of them."

Tippett was spotted in Melbourne on Monday, when he was seeing a specialist in tendonitis as part of his rehabilitation program.

"He's seen that specialist when he was in Adelaide, our physios planned that last week for him to see a specialist that deals with the tendonitis issues that he's got," Longmire added.

"They've come back with a really solid plan. It's not just about round one, it's about making sure he has the best possible season.

"We've put a lot of work into strengthening his leg and we'll make sure it's completely right so he can get through the whole season.

"He's dealt with it before and he's confident he'll be fine."

The Swans head to Canberra on Wednesday ahead of their opening NAB Challenge match against GWS the following day.

They will also have a reduced forward line that day, with star recruit Lance Franklin to sit the game out, along with No.1 ruckman Mike Pyke and tall utility Lewis Roberts-Thomson.

All three have also been on monitored programs during the pre-season and are expected to play the following week against West Coast in Blacktown.

"They'll get some good game time into them next week, which was always our plan," Longmire said.

"This week we should field a reasonably strong team without them."

A number of the Swans' youngsters will be given a chance to shine against the Giants, with some spots open ahead of round one.

Longmire is also expecting to face a much more competitive GWS line-up boosted by some seasoned additions, including former Swans Shane Mumford and Jed Lamb.

"The younger kids they got through the draft are all another year bigger and stronger," Longmire said when asked about GWS' progress.

"Then you top that up with some of the recruits they've got, there's no doubt they'll be better this year and stronger and more competitive."