Sydney Swans youngster Lewis Melican will make his return from long term injury against Gold Coast in the NEAFL on Friday afternoon.

Melican has had persistent groin injuries throughout the 2015 season after joining the Swans with their final live selection in the 2015 rookie draft.

NEAFL coach Marty Mattner said it was pleasing to see Melican given the chance to string some matches together in the later stages of the season.

“He has been out for about ten weeks now, he may have played one game in between all that,” Mattner said.

“It will be good for him to get back in, get some touch and get back into the speed of the game.

“Hopefully he gets through it and then we can keep building that in the lead up to the finals with Lewis.”

The Swans are coming off a weekend off following the bye and will be looking to consolidate their position inside the top six against the Suns.

“Gold Coast had a really good win last week and played well against NT Thunder as well so they are in some good form,”

“They have a really good forward line as well as a really good midfield as well so it is going to be a challenge this week.”

The match will kick off from 4.10pm with fans encouraged to come and watch the Swans young side in action.