SYDNEY coach Paul Roos says the form of ex-Geelong recruit Henry Playfair is making the long absence of suspended star forward Barry Hall less of a burden.

Hall is out until at least the round-12 clash with St Kilda, after the seven-match ban for his infamous punch on West Coast's Brent Staker in round four.

Even then, he might not be able to return, as he continues to feel the effects of a wrist injury sustained in the same match, although Roos said yesterday his recovery was progressing well.

But the Swans coach said Playfair was filling the gap nicely.

He impressed with nine marks and three goals in a big win over Essendon on Sunday.

"He makes our structure a lot better and that's why we got him," Roos said. "We hope to see Hall back … but at this stage (Playfair) is fitting in really well."

Running forward Ryan O'Keefe, who will play his 150th AFL match against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium tomorrow, said Playfair's presence has been a real benefit for the team.

"Henry's been great, he's brought another big body, he competes well," O'Keefe said. "Without having Barry here, it's really freed up the smaller guys, they can really be good at crumbing."

But Roos was hopeful Hall's return from suspension, in three weeks' time, would not be delayed by his injury.

"He's training hard, training really well," Roos said.

AAP