Veteran Sydney forward Sam Reid will miss the remainder of the AFL season after undergoing hamstring surgery.

Reid went under the knife on Tuesday to repair the injury suffered in pre-season, with the five-month recovery time ending his season, and potentially his career, given the 31-year-old is out of contract at season's end.

"We had hoped Sam could return from his injury and avoid surgery, but unfortunately it became apparent last week that wasn't the case," Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner said.

"The initial injury was not straightforward and we wanted to ensure we explored all possible options for Sam to return as quickly as possible.

"Sam has done everything in his power and worked exceptionally hard to get back to play, so it's incredibly disappointing for him and the club that he will miss the season.

"The initial feedback is that the surgery went well. He will start recovery immediately and will continue to help develop our emerging tall forwards through the remainder of the season".

Reid has played 181 games across an injury-plagued career since 2010.

The 2012 premiership player was the subject of a Swans' gamble gone wrong in last year's grand final.

Reid injured his adductor in Sydney's thrilling preliminary final win over Collingwood but was picked to face Geelong in the decider.

He was substituted out of Sydney's horror 81-point loss in the third quarter after hobbling from the ground just before half-time and coach John Longmire later admitted playing him was a mistake.