John Longmire has named his side to take on Richmond this Thursday night. The Sydney Swans will be looking for a much-needed win to keep in touch with the top eight, looking more and more hopeful with two big ins. 

Lance Franklin will return after undergoing management for knee soreness after the St Kilda clash in Round 13.

In a press conference last week, Longmire discussed the importance in balancing Buddy's training plan. 

"We’re just mindful of how much training he needs to do to come back and get ready to play," he said. 

Franklin is joined by star defender Tom McCartin who enters the senior side after returning from concussion symptoms following Round 4. His recovery included two weeks in the VFL. 

Both additions are a much-need bolster in experience to the young side.

Chad Warner remains out with a calf strain while Joel Amartey will also miss the match as he's managed following a hamstring injury earlier in the season. 

"He hasn’t played more than four games in a role at senior level and we’re conscious of that," Longmire told Swans TV.

"He’s a power athlete but he won’t play at all this weekend and hopefully that gives him the best possible chance of playing the rest of the season.”

The Swans will appear at the MCG this Thursday night for their second clash against the Tigers this season. The red and white were victorious with a 44-point margin in Round 5. 

The senior coach is not underestimating their opponent however. "We know that Richmond are a keen to bounce back. They're a good quality team and they enjoy playing at the MCG," Longmire added. 

"We did a lot right last week and the aim is to continue that."

Round 17 - Richmond Tigers v Sydney Swans, MCG - July 6, 7:20pm AEST

INS: Lance Franklin, Tom McCartin
OUTS: Joel Amartey (managed), Aaron Francis (omitted), Ryan Clarke (sub)

Visit our Match Day Hub for everything you need to know ahead of Round 17.