SYDNEY has axed out-of-form big man Kurt Tippett ahead of Thursday night's clash with reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs.

Tippett, who joined the club on a lucrative deal at the end of 2012, has struggled this season and was quiet in the Swans' loss to Hawthorn in round 10 before the bye.

Click here for the full teams

Ruckman Sam Naismith has been brought into the Swans' line-up ahead of the SCG meeting, with former co-captain Kieren Jack also returning. First-year Swan Oliver Florent has also been omitted.

The Dogs will also be without some big names, losing skipper Robert Murphy (hamstring) and premiership heroes Dale Morris (ankle) and Tom Boyd (back) to injuries.

The trio are among four outs for the club after their bye last round, with Bailey Williams dropped.

As expected, ex-Magpie Travis Cloke returns to the Dogs' side, while veteran Matthew Boyd, defender Fletcher Roberts and smart small forward Toby McLean have also been recalled.

Boyd makes his return after two weeks out with a shoulder injury, but premiership star Tom Liberatore will remain in the VFL after being overlooked again for senior selection.

Thursday, June 8

Sydney v Western Bulldogs at the SCG, 7.20pm AEST

SYDNEY

In: K.Jack, S.Naismith

Out: K.Tippett, O.Florent (omitted)

WESTERN BULLDOGS

In: M.Boyd, T.Cloke, F.Roberts, T.McLean

Out: R.Murphy (hamstring), D.Morris (ankle), T.Boyd (back), B.Williams (omitted)