SYDNEY isn't about to lose faith with out-of-sorts spearhead Barry Hall, despite coach Paul Roos' misgivings about his condition.

For the second time in as many days, Roos yesterday speculated publicly whether his co-captain had made the Swans aware of just how big a toll the wear and tear from his physical style of play had taken on his body in recent weeks.

But club sources have indicated the possibility of Hall being dropped or even rested from this Saturday's game against Geelong were remote, particularly with Sydney now a game outside the eight and two games adrift from the top four.

They claim Roos' comments were more a reflection of Hall's capacity to play with injuries that would keep other teammates out, than about any selfish pride that could affect his team's fortunes.

"This week with Hall is more simply making sure he feels that he's able to contribute. That may be like getting blood out of a stone because he'll tell me that he is," Roos said yesterday. "It's pretty simple. We know there's a problem, but has it improved since last week or has it sort of gone backwards and how much is it affecting his performance?

"If he's saying he's right, he'll play, so there's no question about that. He's too good a player not to play if he's saying he's right. It's just making sure the information is correct, if he's saying look I'm OK, but I'm operating at about 70 per cent, that's where the medical and coaching staff have got to come in."

Hall has looked hobbled for at least the past three games, of which Sydney has lost two and narrowly won a third. He has averaged only eight disposals and three marks a game in that time, and managed to kick only three goals. He struggled again last Saturday on Collingwood's Shane Wakelin, dropping a series of seemingly gettable marks.

"At the moment, he's participating in a game of football and if he does this week, it'll be because he's actually fit enough to play. If he doesn't, we'll have to determine that during the week," Roos said.