Sydney coach John Longmire has put no deadline on Luke Parker's return to senior level, saying the midfielder needs more time in the VFL.
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Absent from the Swans side since February after breaking his arm in pre-season, Parker was expected to line up against Greater Western Sydney at the SCG on Saturday given his impressive derby history.
The hard-running ball magnet has claimed the Brett Kirk Medal, awarded to the best afield in Sydney derbies played at the SCG, on five occasions.
Parker instead watched the Swans' 29-point win over their cross-town rivals from the sidelines after Longmire opted to leave him out of the squad.
"He's missed nine weeks and he's played one game back in the VFL," Longmire said.
"He's been a champion for us, and has had a great record against the Giants - but he hasn't missed nine weeks in the lead-up to any of those performances.
"The game's unforgiving at senior level now. I want to give Luke a good opportunity when he comes in to play well, and rather than just playing with one week and coming in off the back of that.
"We want to make sure that when he comes in, he's in good touch, confident touch, ready to go."
Key defender Tom McCartin will be unavailable for at least one week after a high bump from Giants forward Callum Brown sent him to ground.
McCartin has an unfortunate history with head injuries, missing seven games last season with two separate concussions.
His brother Paddy, a former Swans and St Kilda player, retired in August on the advice of the league's concussion experts.
Longmire remained tight-lipped on the incident with Brown, but said McCartin was in good condition.
"I spoke to him. He's OK," Longmire said.
"It's disappointing to lose him. He's a very important player for us but you'd expect him to miss this week.
"We'll see what next week brings."
Australian Associated Press
