Sydney are thinking short-term as well as planning for the future by recalling Jesse White for their AFL match against Carlton.

The Swans are set to miss the finals for the first time under coach Paul Roos, sitting two games and percentage outside the top eight with seven rounds left.

A team overhaul is underway, with Tadgh Kennelly and Barry Hall already gone and Michael O'Loughlin set to follow at the end of the season.

Significantly, the Swans dropped premiership players Luke Ablett, Paul Bevan and Jared Crouch for Saturday's Etihad Stadium against the Blues, while promoting Dan Hanneberry for his senior debut.

White, who has played 13 games, and experienced midfielder Jarrad McVeigh are the other inclusions.

White is clearly a big part of Sydney's next generation, but assistant coach John Blakey said he is also a key element in planning for the Carlton game.

"We think we can stretch them a little bit defensively, obviously we'll have Adam Goodes probably running through there at different stages," Blakey said when asked about White's selection.

"We'll have Ted Richards up there and we've still got Mick O'Loughlin playing some good footy at the moment.

"That's one area where we think we might be able to get an advantage."

White is in good form, having kicked 19 goals in his last two reserves games.

Blakey also stressed that Bevan, Ablett and Crouch would have the chance to force their way back into the seniors.

He said whatever work they are doing on their team, the Swans still had one eye on the finals.

"We certainly approach them that we want to win every time we go out there," he said.

"Roosy has done that the whole time he's been in charge of the club and certainly nothing changes.

"Look, we may not be able to make the finals ... but we'll pushing to win every game we can.

"Obviously Roosy is a very proud man and has a very good record - he hasn't missed the finals, he certainly won't want to miss this year."

Carlton also brought a mix of youth and experience into their side, recalling first-year player Chris Yarran and midfielder Heath Scotland.

The Blues have won their last two games and assistant coach Matthew Lappin said it was vital younger players such as Yarran kept improving if they are to make the finals.

Carlton are seventh, equal on wins with eighth-placed Essendon.

"We're under no illusions of how we're travelling as a side," Lappin said.

"The last couple of weeks we've had some really good individual performances but we need better team efforts.

"While we've got a really young side we're asking a lot of those younger guys to step up each week."

The Swans have a 12-game winning streak against Carlton, but Blakey said that was of little interest to the match committee - apart from how they took care of the Blues in round four.

"Certainly we go in confident, we think we can beat Carlton," he said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP