Swans Aliir Aliir (left) and Isaac Heeney at training. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

SYDNEY will be undermanned in defence with Aliir Aliir a late out for Sunday's clash against Richmond at the Gabba.

Robbie Fox comes into the side, while the Tigers go in unchanged.

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The Swans will battle Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch with a smaller defence, with Aliir's form a concern.

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"Aliir has just struggled with a bit of form and we just want to get him back to his very best form," Sydney assistant coach John Blakey said.

"We obviously face a few issues with our height both down back and in the ruck but we think that we can manage that."