SYDNEY will be without premiership defender Rhyce Shaw when it takes on Hawthorn in the Grand Final re-match on Saturday night at the MCG.

Shaw sustained an abdominal injury in Round 2 and was substituted out of Sydney’s win over Gold Coast at the SCG in the final quarter.

The former Magpie fulfils a vital role for the Swans, often tagging one of his side’s opposition forwards and providing run and carry off half back.

He could have been headed for a role on the dangerous Luke Breust, who has kicked 13 goals this season and is one of the most dangerous small forwards in the competition.

Sydney Coach John Longmire ruled Shaw out on Tuesday.

“He won't play this week and he won't play next week," Longmire said at the SCG.

"He's running and been running well, but when he gets to the agility stage of his rehab, he can't take that next step.”

That means the Swans will rely heavily on young defender Nick Smith to play the vital lock down role on one of Hawthorn’s small forwards.

Former Crow Tony Armstrong has been filling the role vacated by the injured Shaw, and has performed well.

He is averaging 14 disposals in his five matches so far this year, with his best performance coming in the ANZAC Day clash against St Kilda.

In that game, Armstrong gathered 21 disposals and was listed among Sydney’s best players in the hard-fought win.

Defenders Heath Grundy, Marty Mattner and Nick Malceski will also be forced to pay closer attention to their side’s ability to rebound off half back.