Sydney Swans utility Tadhg Kennelly will miss the opening two or three rounds of the AFL season after undergoing knee surgery.

Kennelly twisted his left knee during a training session on Wednesday night and had minor surgery on Thursday morning to correct a tear of the meniscus cartilage.

Kennelly is expected to return in round three or four.

His absence from the team to play Brisbane on Saturday has opened up a spot for elevated rookie Paul Bevan, who will join Jarrad McVeigh in making his senior debut at the Gabba on Saturday.

The 19-year-old got his chance after impressing selectors with his performances in pre-season matches.

Having heard the news only an hour before speaking to the media, the still shocked Bevan said that he felt "over-awed, really excited and speechless" about his selection.

"During the off season I wrote down a few goals that I wanted to achieve and I worked really hard on my fitness," said Bevan.

"I follow players like Stuart Maxfield and Jared Crouch - their work ethic and professionalism.'

McVeigh, the younger brother of Essendon defender Mark McVeigh, also plays his first senior match for the Swans in round one.

McVeigh was given the nod late on Wednesday and said he had only a few hours of sleep while he struggled to come to terms with the good news.

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