SYDNEY captain Josh Kennedy has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with Gold Coast with quad tightness.

Kennedy pulled up sore for the Swans' final training session of the week on Thursday, but despite being given until game day to prove his fitness, the star midfielder was withdrawn from the 22. 

Coach John Longmire told the Swans' website that it was a line-ball decision. 

"Last night we probably still expected him to play but he was a little bit tight this morning when we tested him, and unfortunately he didn't come up," he said.

"We didn't want to risk him, we obviously know how important he is, but it's up to the rest of the midfielders to shoulder that load."

The triple club champion and three-time All Australian is just three games short of his 200th game, with injury-plagued onballer Dan Robinson coming into the team in place of his skipper.

Robinson hasn't played a senior game since breaking his collarbone in round one, but has been in outstanding form his the NEAFL, averaging 23 possessions and five tackles in his five games back from the injury.

Vice-captain Dan Hannebery will lead the Swans for the first time in Kennedy's absence.

The loss of Sydney's best midfielder robs the match of another big name after Suns superstar Gary Ablett didn't make the trip to the harbour city because of a hamstring injury.