John Longmire is unsurprised by Callum Mills' quiet form since returning from his notorious shoulder injury, but says the Sydney captain is still impacting games with his presence.
The usually prolific ball-winner has averaged only 12.5 disposals a game in four appearances since recovering from the setback he suffered during post-season celebrations last year.
His 3.8 contested possessions a game in that time is also down on the 7.0 he averaged last season, while the Swans have won only one of four games with their skipper on the park this year.
But Longmire is remaining patient with the 2022 All-Australian midfielder ahead of the important clash against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Friday, when a victory would help the Swans cement a top-two spot.
"It's to be expected," Sydney coach Longmire said of Mills' quiet patch.
"It's a tough game to play, no matter how good a player you are.
"He's still got enormous presence in our team without having to do it through kicks, marks and handballs. He's still a vital member of our team, and the way he leads the team is so critical.
"He sees the game so well, gets stuff done. From that perspective, he's still vitally important."
Sydney's defence looks set for a boost as Lewis Melican firms to return from hamstring tightness against Essendon.
Melican has not played since being substituted out of the loss to the Western Bulldogs late last month, missing both the 112-point thrashing from Port Adelaide and last week's defeat of Collingwood.
The Swans became so desperate for a big body in defence against the Magpies that key forward Logan McDonald spent time at the back during the three-point win.
But Longmire is hopeful of having Melican back at Marvel Stadium.
"(Melican) is able to train and he could possibly be available," the coach said.
"We think all things are pointing towards him being available."
After giving up 148 points against the Power, Longmire felt Sydney showed defensive improvement against Collingwood.
"We've been a bit up and down, but I think what the last quarter showed, there were some great efforts to be able to withstand genuine heat in the contest and be able to win the ball and get it back going our way," he said.
Longmire is hopeful Tom Papley (ankle) and Justin McInerney (knee) will return from injuries in time for the first week of finals.
But small forward Sam Wicks will be unavailable for at least the first two weeks of September after he was hit with a four-match ban for rough conduct in the VFL.
Wicks has played 16 games at senior level this season, but was dropped after the loss to Port Adelaide.
The 24-year-old was charged with rough conduct over a tackle that left Collingwood's Ash Johnson with concussion.
It was graded careless conduct, high contact and severe impact.
