The Sydney Swans welcome back veteran forward Ben McGlynn for Saturday’s Sydney Derby IX against GWS.
McGlynn missed the first two rounds of the season to build conditioning at the lower level, following an interrupted pre-season in which the 30-year-old battled soft-tissue injuries.
He was a standout in the NEAFL Swans’ season opener against Brisbane, collecting 21 disposals and laying nine tackles.
Dean Towers makes way in the only change to the side that defeated Carlton by 60 points at Etihad Stadium.
Senior coach John Longmire said the pressure forward’s pace, hardness and versatility will be an asset against the Giants.
“It’s really good to get him back into the side,” Longmire said of the No. 21.
“He has had a terrific pre-season, played the last two games in our reserves and done very well.
“He’s done a lot of work on his body to make sure he’s nice and strong. He has had a few soft-tissue injuries over the journey so to get him back in the state he’s in now is a really good sign.
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“He has given himself every chance of playing well.”
The Swans hold sway with seven wins from their eight encounters with the Giants.
GWS is fresh from a strong 13-point win against Geelong, while Longmire’s men are undefeated after big wins over Collingwood and Carlton in the opening rounds.
The two sides will square off for the White Ribbon Cup, while the player judged best on ground will win the Brett Kirk Medal.
Saturday is set to be a huge day of football with the women’s curtain-raiser and the chance for supporters to farewell premiership heroes Adam Goodes and Mike Pyke during a lap of honour at half-time.
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