Key-position Swan Hayden McLean is reportedly looming as an inclusion for John Longmire's side for Saturday's AFL Grand Final against Geelong.
The Swans will be mulling at least one change for the season decider, with an adductor injury hampering veteran Sam Reid's prospects for a premiership medallion.
The 30-year-old will continue to undergo tests at training in hope of proving his fitness for the final, however has trained away from the main group for a majority of this week.
The injury, which was sustained in Sydney's one-point preliminary final win over Collingwood last weekend, has opened the door for several fringe Swans to earn a recall into Longmire's side for the grand final.
McLean and fellow tall Joel Amartey have been seen as the most suitable replacements for Reid given their ability to play as a forward target and pinch-hit in the ruck if required.
According toย 9 News'ย Braden Ingram, McLean has been notified that he will take part in Sydney's clash against the Cats.
The decision will mean McLean will play his first game at AFL level since Round 8, with the 23-year-old having played the opening eight games of the season before falling out of Sydney's senior side.
Ingram has suggested that while McLean looks set to earn a reprieve, Reid isn't destined to be ruled out of Saturday's matchup.
My understanding is Swans big man Hayden McLean has been told heโs IN for the Grand Final.
Played the first 8 games of the season but hasnโt been in the seniors since.
Sam Reid could yet be named, did everything the Swans wanted at training today. @FootyonNine @9NewsMelb
— Braden Ingram (@bradeningram) September 22, 2022
With Hayden McLean set for an extraordinary Grand Final call upโฆIโm hearing that Logan McDonald is looming as the Swans unlucky man.
If dropped he could still earn reprieve as medical sub or if Sam Reid doesnโt come up.
Teams released just after 6pm. @9NewsMelb @FootyonNine
— Braden Ingram (@bradeningram) September 22, 2022
A four-goal outing against Geelong last year could be a significant part in McLean's return to AFL level, while the Sandringham product may also be an option as Sydney's medical sub.
In the chance that Reid is named and subsequently ruled out prior to the opening bounce at the MCG, McLean could be elevated from the listed emergencies.
Young flanker Braeden Campbell was the Swans' medical sub against Collingwood and replaced Reid early into the second half.
McLean, Campbell, defender Harry Cunningham and uncapped youngster Will Gould were the listed emergencies for last week's final at the SCG.
7 News'ย Mitch Cleary also noted McLean's strong chances of earning a spot alongside Lance Franklin in Longmire's forward 50, with the young forward training on the same side as the 1000-goal great, while Logan McDonald and Amartey trained in the opposite team in match simulation on Thursday.
In a possible hint to team selection, Hayden McLean started in red alongside Buddy during the light ball movement / match sim. Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey in blue.
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) September 22, 2022
McDonald featured against Collingwood and booted one goal in his return from six disposals in the win.
Winger Justin McInerney looks likely to play despite an ankle issue that kept him sidelined earlier in the week, having returned to the main group in Thursday's main session.
Sydney and Geelong are set to announce their 22-man lineups for the grand final at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday night.
