Carlton's Marc Murphy is the latest AFL captain who will go into round one with no pre-season matches under his belt.
Murphy is a notable name missing from the Blues' squad for their last NAB Challenge match against Sydney on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.
The onballer underwent reconstructive shoulder surgery in December.
He trained earlier this week as the Blues prepared for the blockbuster season opener on March 24 against Richmond.
Gold Coast's Gary Ablett and Geelong's Joel Selwood also have not played any pre-season games because of injury.
Nick Riewoldt will return for St Kilda this weekend, while Sydney have had co-captain Jarrad McVeigh coach the team for a match as he recovers from knee surgery.
New Fremantle skipper David Mundy has also missed their first two NAB Challenge matches.
The Blues will welcome back several key players against the Swans, including young gun Patrick Cripps, Andrew Walker, Matthew Kreuzer and Dale Thomas.
No.1 draft pick Jacob Weitering, a standout in their opening pre-season game against Essendon, will also return.
Sydney will field a strong line-up featuring Lance Franklin, Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy and Isaac Heeney.
Brother Brad and Matt Crouch are in Adelaide's squad for the Friday night game against the Suns on the Gold Coast.
Captain Taylor Walker, Rory Sloane, Sam Jacobs and Eddie Betts highlight a strong Crows line-up.
Nick Malceski and former West Coast midfielder Matt Rosa are among eight Suns inclusions.
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