Sydney midfielder Luke Parker is set to make his AFL return on Saturday against North Melbourne.
Initially named as an emergency for the clash at the SCG, Parker is likely to replace small forward Sam Wicks in the line-up, who was named in the 23 but took the field during the Swans' VFL clash in the morning.
The 31-year-old has been absent from John Longmire's side following a broken arm in the pre-season.
VFL ROUND 16 v NORTH MELBOURNE
Come support the red and white at Tramway Oval! ๐ฅ
First bounce at 10:05AM
๐บ STREAM: https://t.co/Q4FNWuJoY6 pic.twitter.com/dlraLdpALi
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) July 12, 2024
Once overcoming the gruesome injury, the sheer form of Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom and Errol Gulden through the midfield left no room for Parker, who was forced to play in the reserves.
Despite playing four games in the VFL - with an average of 30 disposals, 6 tackles and 2.5 marks a game - Longmire opted not to bring in the 2012 premiership player.
And as time would tell, Parker would get himself in trouble with the VFL Match Review Panel (MRP) for his crude bump on Frankston's Josh Smith, resulting in a six-game suspension that was upheld at both the Tribunal and the Appeals board.
Luke Parker is set to make his AFL return today against the Kangaroos.
Was a late out for their VFL game against North Melbourne. Sam Wicks is lining up for the reserves. #AFL pic.twitter.com/EWFZy5skzi
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) July 12, 2024
Finally available for selection, the three-time Bob Skilton medallist was initially overlooked when the teams came out on Thursday, but has regained his place in the senior side.
Longmire also welcomed back captain Callum Mills for his first game of 2024, after overcoming both shoulder and calf issues from the off-season.
The Swans will be without Isaac Heeney for the Kangaroos Clash, who is serving a one-match ban on his off-ball strike on St Kilda's Jimmy Webster, despite taking it to the Appeals Board.
