The Sydney Swans have named their 22 for Sunday's MCG blockbuster against the Melbourne Demons, which will see the red and white strive for their third consecutive victory.
IN: Lance Franklin
OUT: Hayden McLean, Matt Roberts
Lance Franklin will make a return to the 22 after missing last week's match due to suspension, while Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey will also feature again in the Swans forward line after scoring five and four goals respectively against Hawthorn.
Assistant coach Dean Cox spoke to Swans TV in John Longmire's absence today, and said the side were ready for their first visit to Victoria for the year.
“It’s really exciting to have Lance back from suspension. He has trained really well over that period," Cox said.
"It’s unlucky for Hayden, he performed really well for the first two weeks, but Joel played really well in that first half (against Hawthorn) and with Lance back, it makes that squeeze a little bit too tight.
Sam Reid and Tom Hickey remain out due to injury, however Cox teased the imminent return of defender Robbie Fox and forward Ryan Clarke.
"We also had Robbie Fox and Ryan Clarke train with the team today in a full training session. So they’re not too far away either.
"We want to make sure that we can keep progressing with those guys and see their availability shortly."
The Swans won their opening two games against Gold Coast and Hawthorn and Cox says the team are excited to step up to the challenge of a determined Melbourne outfit who they last faced in the 2022 Qualifying Final.
“It will be a really spirited Melbourne team. That’s one thing we’re going to be prepared for," he continued.
"It’s a huge challenge and one the players are really looking forward to."
Round 3 - Melbourne v Sydney Swans, MCG - Sunday, April 2, 2023. 3:20pm AEST.
IN: Lance Franklin
OUT: Hayden McLean, Matt Roberts
| Backs | Tom McCartin | Dane Rampe | Paddy McCartin |
| Half Backs | Ollie Florent | Jake Lloyd | Nick Blakey |
| Centreline | Errol Gulden | Luke Parker | Dylan Stephens |
| Half Forwards | Isaac Heeney | Will Hayward | Joel Amartey |
| Forwards | Tom Papley | Lance Franklin | Logan McDonald |
| Followers | Peter Ladhams | James Rowbottom | Callum Mills |
| Interchange | Harry Cunningham | Chad Warner | Braeden Campbell |
| Justin McInerney | |||
| Emergency | Hayden McLean | Matt Roberts | Angus Sheldrick |
| Hugo Hall-Kahan |
Visit our Match Day Hub for everything you need to know ahead of Round 3.
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