Blakey returns to Swans for Blues clash but no McCartin

The hard-running half-back was in doubt after an accidental clash of heads with teammate Matt Roberts in the final quarter of their 48-point victory over Fremantle last time out.

Blakey was treated by doctors following the collision and subsequently passed a concussion test, making him available to play against Carlton at the SCG on Saturday.

But the Swans will be without Tom McCartin for another week after the club opted to give the key defender extra time to recover from a concussion.

McCartin did not play against Fremantle after a high collision from GWS's Callum Brown during the Sydney derby.

The 24-year-old has an unfortunate history with head injuries, missing seven games last season due to two separate concussions, but Swans coach John Longmire is confident the defender will be able to bounce back quickly.

"He's coming along pretty well. He was good today, but he'll be out of the team," Longmire said on Monday.

"(Just) because we give him another week, doesn't mean we're overly concerned in that regard. We've just got to make sure we look after him.

"He's feeling fine but we'll take another week and we'll see how he is next week. We're not going to rush into it."

McCartin's absence could cause issues for the Swans, who are taking on a prolific goalscoring duo in Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.

Reigning Coleman medallist Curnow leads the league with 27 goals, while McKay sits sixth with 23.

"They're such good players and they're in great form. It's quite unique in the competition to have two such dominant key forwards like they've got," Longmire said.

"They're also surrounded by some smalls that can kick goals at ground level as well so they've got a really good balance in their front half.

"And if you look at a contested ball, their ability around stoppage, (Patrick) Cripps and those guys, what they can do at centre bounce clearances over the last month has been enormous.

"It's going to be a tough one."

Sydney skipper Callum Mills is expected to play his first AFL game of the year after the Swans' round 12 bye at the end of the month after recovering from a calf and shoulder injury.

Australian Associated Press