The Sydney Swans have named their side ahead of a Round 6 blockbuster which will see the team face Geelong on the Cats home turf for the first time since 2019.
INS: Ryan Clarke, Aaron Francis
OUTS: Corey Warner, Will Gould, Joel Amartey (injured)
Despite an extensive injury list ruling out key players for the match, Ryan Clarke will play his first match of the season while Aaron Francis will make his debut for the club after seven seasons and 54 games with Essendon.
Coach John Longmire spoke of 25-year old Francis' inclusion, noting his ability to play various roles after some solid form in the VFL.
"Francis comes into the team for the first time and he can play both ends of the ground so he has that flexibility for us," Longmire said.
"He's had a big preseason."
Meanwhile Longmire said he was looking forward to seeing 25-year old Clarke return to the senior level after he had a strong 2022 season.
"He's a great runner so he's got the capacity to run up and down the ground and once again have that flexibility and play a couple of different roles," Longmire said.
Out of the side from last week is forward Joel Amartey, who was ruled out for at least 8-10 weeks after sustaining a significant hamstring injury in the Swans Round 5 victory over Richmond.
The match will see Sydney face the Cats for the first time since the Grand Final and Longmire's side will be looking to post their fourth win for the 2023 season after a strong contest in last week's Gather Round.
"We played a good brand early and a strong contest," Longmire said of the Round 5 victory.
"They came back and challenged us and our ability to respond. The challenges keep mounting this week and it will be another big step."
Round 6 - Geelong v Sydney Swans, GMHBA Stadium - Saturday, April 22, 2023. 7:25pm AEST.
IN: Ryan Clarke, Aaron Francis
OUT: Corey Warner, Will Gould, Joel Amartey (injured)
| Backs | Braeden Campbell | Robbie Fox | Harry Cunningham |
| Half Backs | Ollie Florent | Jake Lloyd | Nick Blakey |
| Centreline | Dylan Stephens | Callum Mills | Justin McInerney |
| Half Forwards | Errol Gulden | Will Hayward | James Rowbottom |
| Forwards | Isaac Heeney | Logan McDondald | Tom Papley |
| Followers | Peter Ladhams | Luke Parker | Chad Warner |
| Interchange | Matt Roberts | Aaron Francis | Hayden McLean |
| Ryan Clarke | |||
| Emergency | Corey Warner | Will Gould | Angus Sheldrick |
| Lachlan McAndrew |
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