Senior coach John Longmire has made three exciting changes to the Sydney Swans lineup as the team travel to Melbourne for an elimination clash with Carlton. 

Tom Papley and Justin McInerney are two massive inclusions for the forward line and midfield after returning from injury.

Papley has spent several weeks out with a hamstring injury while Justin McInerney has worked hard to return after sustaining a calf injury in Round 20 against Essendon. 

In a press conference on Tuesday Longmire said the two star players are fit and ready to go. He added how important Papley was to the Swans forward half, injecting experience and smarts to the young side. 

“They’re players that have been around for a while and understand what it’s about," Longmire told journalists.

"They understand the importance of playing well and playing to your trademark every week."

Lewis Melican will re-enter the team following matchplay in the VFL after a hamstring injury sidelined the defender in Round 18.

Speaking to Swans TV Longmire is confident in his side going into the Elimination Final but isn't underestimating a fired up Carlton squad. 

"We know we’re going to have to be really hard," he said. 

"Carlton are really high in contested balls, so we have to be hard and strong in the contest and we have to play a really strong brand of team football."

Small forward Sam Wicks will play his 50th AFL game. The QBE Sydney Swans Academy product was rookie listed in November 2018, and made his AFL debut against Collingwood in Round 10 of the 2020 season. 

Elimination Final - Carlton v Sydney Swans, MCG - Friday September 8, 7:50pm 

IN: Papley, McInerney, Melican
OUT: Stephens (omitted), Clarke (omitted), Fox (omitted)

Visit our Match Day Hub for everything you need to know ahead of the elimination final.