THE SYDNEY Swans are still weighing up whether to select influential ruckman Shane Mumford for his first game in seven weeks for Sunday's important clash with the Western Bulldogs at the SCG.

Established as one of the best ruckmen in the AFL when fit, Mumford has been battling a rare back infection, with the Swans using a variety of options during his absence.

Mark Seaby, Mike Pyke, Lewis Roberts-Thomson and Jesse White have all been used in the ruck during Mumford's extended layoff.

The Swans are clearly a much better side with the 25-year-old Mumford playing, but the club won't be taking any chances.

"He's a big chance of playing," coach John Longmire said on Friday.

"We won't make that decision until tomorrow, [but] he's done everything we've asked of him over the last week or two.

"He's been increasing his training time fairly dramatically and responding well.

"The back's been coming along really well, so he hasn't had any problem with that, it's just been his general training condition.

"We'll only play him if he's ready to go."

Pyke performed well in his first match of the season against Melbourne's Mark Jamar a fortnight ago, but was then well beaten in last week's disappointing loss to St Kilda.

He has retained his place in the side, however, with White added to an extended squad, and one will provide cover for Mumford if he makes it to the opening bounce.

"We don't expect him to play 105 minutes in the ruck," Longmire said of Mumford.

"That's something he won't be doing if he plays.

"He'll be spending some time in the ruck and a bit of time forward if he plays."

Midfielder Josh Kennedy said earlier this week the club had endured a tough couple of days as it dealt with the poor performance against the Saints that knocked the Swans out of the top four.

But Longmire said it was a time for personal reflection from the players, rather than any ranting and raving from the coaching staff.

"You just look at the facts," he said. "I guess it's confronting when you don't play well.

"The first and last quarters were pretty good and the second and third quarters were really poor.

"We looked at what we didn't do and what we didn't do was win contested footy, put pressure on the opposition and use the ball well.

"Once you look at that you move on pretty quickly.

"It's intense when you lose because obviously the players are feeling they didn't play well.

"As far as the review, we try to keep it fairly similar from week to week whether we win, lose or draw.

"But when you don't play that well, there is that feeling going into the review that you know in yourself you didn't play well and can play a lot better."

James Dampney covers Sydney AFL news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD