NSW Swifts captain Maddy Proud has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash against the Adelaide Thunderbirds due to a neck injury.

Proud's scratching could prove dire for the Swifts, who are just two losses away from missing out on the finals. The Swifts have lost their past three games and sit fourth on the ladder with two rounds left.

Coach Briony Akle said she made the decision to err on the side of caution after Proud suffered a knock at training earlier in the week.

“Being our leader, Maddy is at the heart and soul of everything we do, but sometimes you need to look to the longer-term,” she said. "We've got players who can step in and do a job for us and Paige Hadley is one of the best in the world in the midcourt, so we won't lack leadership out there.”