The fitness of Sydney’s defenders and the form of St Kilda’s forwards has left Swans coach John Longmire facing an AFL conundrum this week.

The Swans endured a woeful 0-6 start to the season but 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 at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with hamstrung former captain Jarrad McVeigh an enforced omission.

Defender Dane Rampe, who was part of the 2016 All Australian side but hasn’t played since round one because of a broken arm, may be 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 would come in handy against St Kilda.

Alan Richardson’s team have booted an average 15 goals during the past three weeks, 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.

Regardless of whether McCartin is recalled or not, Longmire knows the Saints 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, Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey have combined for 39 goals this year but Longmire noted they weren’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.”

Longmire noted Aliir Aliir was also in the mix to return, with the 2012 premiership coach adding that several factors would influence who is part of the Swans’ defence this weekend.

“Obviously we’ll lose McVeigh out of that half-back line,” he said.

“We’ll look at who the Saints might bring in, if Dane plays or not. All those sort of things come into consideration as to whether we select Aliir or not.”

Ruck-forward Kurt Tippett and speedster Gary Rohan, who returned from injuries in the reserves last week, may also be called up.