Sydney wary of potent Saints in AFL

The fitness of Sydney's defenders and the form of St Kilda's forwards have left Swans coach John Longmire with plenty to think about ahead of round nine of the AFL.

After a woeful 0-6 start to the year, the Swans have since posted two wins on the trot, accounting for Brisbane and North Melbourne with ease.

The Saints, sitting sixth on the ladder and widely backed to return to finals for the first time since 2011, will be a better indicator of how Sydney's revival should be assessed.

Longmire will have to reshuffle his back six on Saturday at Etihad Stadium, with hamstrung former captain Jarrad McVeigh an enforced omission.

Defender Dane Rampe, part of the 2016 All Australian side, hasn't played since round one because of a broken arm, and has been called up in McVeigh's absence.

Rampe, who has trained well this week, is yet to feature at any level since his fall.

The 26-year-old boasts the ability to play on small and tall forwards and his versatility will come in handy against St Kilda.

Alan Richardson's team have booted an average 15 goals in the past three games, sharing them among a multi-pronged attack that has functioned so well that former No.1 pick Paddy McCartin has been overlooked since round three.

McCartin has been recalled in a sign of the Saints' depth. Longmire knows the opposition have the potential to bust the round-nine game wide open.

"They're one of the form teams of the competition," Longmire said of the Saints.

"We believe St Kilda are as good a team going around."

Big men Nick Riewoldt and Tim Membrey have combined for 26 goals this year but Longmire notes they aren't the only threats.

"(Jack) Billings kicked five goals last week and was really dangerous; their smalls are as good as any going around," he said.

"They're a very good running team."

Ruck-forward Kurt Tippett and speedster Gary Rohan, after returning from injuries last week in the reserves, have also been called up.