There was a welcome sight for Sydney fans who got to the SCG early on Saturday, with veteran forward Michael O'Loughlin making his return to the field for the Swans' reserves.

The club's games record-holder and second only to Bob Pratt on the goalkicking list, O'Loughlin has been absent since badly injuring his ankle against Carlton in round 16 last year.

It was a cruel blow to the 32-year-old, who had been in sparkling form prior to the injury.

The ankle required surgery and O'Loughlin returned to action for the first time on Saturday, kicking one goal in limited action and moving freely in his 15th season at the club.

With his long-time goalkicking companion Barry Hall ruled out of Saturday's 17-point win over Carlton with a groin strain and possibly facing a longer stint on the sidelines, the sight of O'Loughlin back in the forward line pleased coach Paul Roos.

"He looked alright Micky. He had the dancing shoes on out there," Roos said.

"We only wanted to play him for 30 or 40 minutes today so he'll be 50-50 for next week (away against Fremantle) and definitely play against Richmond.

"It's a big ground at Subiaco so it'd be hard to take Mick and Hally across if either of them is underdone."

Sydney coped without the two key forwards on Saturday, with Jarrad McVeigh kicking three goals and nine of his teammates managing to kick majors.

Hall first sustained his injury against Hawthorn a fortnight ago, but managed to kick three goals in last week's loss to Brisbane.

But the club decided to be cautious with the menacing forward this week and will decide later in the week whether he will travel to Perth.

"He couldn't really do much on Thursday, whereas last week he was able to run relatively pain-free," Roos said.

"We just don't want it to become a chronic thing or to turn into four or five weeks.

"I think he'd have to be a chance, probably 50-50 at this stage, but we're not expecting it to be a long-term thing.

"If he doesn't play next week, he'll definitely play the week after."

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