Sydney Swans

Swans set to regain key names for Port clash

Sydney could make some big changes ahead of their trip to South Australia.

Published by
Danielle Sorati

Sydney head to South Australia this weekend to take on Port Adelaide after two strong performances prior to the bye and are expected to be boosted by the addition of some key names.

Speaking to media on Tuesday ahead of Saturday's match, Swans coach John Longmire revealed that Tom Hickey (toe), Harry Cunningham (abdominal) and Colin O'Riordan (concussion) should all be right to push for selection.

"Those guys hopefully should be all available," Longmire said.

"They all train today. So they're expected to train on Thursday and be available this week."

Hickey had a standout year for the Swans in 2021 but has been hampered by ongoing injury concerns this season.

After missing five games with a knee injury earlier in the year, the 31-year-old ruckman was once again forced out of the side for Round 12's blockbuster win over Melbourne with a toe injury, with Longmire admitting that the club will be cautious with his return.

"I would just conscious of making sure with Tom in particular that he gets some good training under his belt, that's the number one aspect for us and really the the selection things take care of itself after he get some training under his belt," Longmire said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Tom Hickey of the Swans is tackled by Bailey Smith of the Bulldogs during the 2022 AFL Round 03 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on March 31, 2022 In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"We'll see what he does this week. And Thursday, how he pulls up, how his toe pulls up is really important and then we'll make a decision.

"Does he need another another week's training? Does he play this week if it's reserves or seniors? We'll sit down and work that out.

"We're very conscious that he's missed a fair bit of training this year."

Lance Franklin is also expected to slot back into the team after serving his one-match suspension prior to the bye, with Longmire saying that the 35-year-old used the time off to get his body right for the rest of the season.

"He had a few days off early on but then he got back to training and did some high speed running that he really needs," Longmire said.

"So he had the break but also had a couple of weeks to get himself right physically for the back end of the year. And hopefully that'll that'll pay some dividends.

"But he was out there training today and training quite well. So he'll have another sharpen up on Thursday and hopefully be ready to play for the Saturday."

Sydney will face Port Adelaide on Saturday, June 18 at 1:45pm AEST.

Published by
Danielle Sorati