Senior coach John Longmire has named his team to take on Richmond this Sunday with 19-year-old Caleb Mitchell set to make his AFL debut.

Hailing from the Murray Bushrangers, Mitchell was recruited to the Sydney Swans with pick 40 in the 2022 AFL Draft. Speaking to Sydney Swans Media Longmire praised the young midfielder for a strong preseason. 

The Vic Country alumni made an impact in the Swans VFL side in season 2023 - some of his standout performances included Round 7 against Collingwood with 24 disposals and against Essendon with 24 disposals and six tackles. 

Longmire told Mitchell he would be making his debut in Friday's team meeting. Mitchell is affectionally known as 'Sid' (in reference to the character from Ice Age). To announce his debut, the senior coach played part of the film. See video below.

Mitchell said he was excited to make his debut at the MCG.

"I had no idea, so when Horse (Longmire) gave me the nod before training it was a feeling of relief and then total elation," Mitchell said.

"I am looking forward to the game and getting all the prep started but I have also made a pact to myself to soak up the next couple of days and it's something I will look back on and cherish forever."

In other team news, Robbie Fox will return to the side after missing last week against Essendon with a calf issue. Harry Cunningham (concussion) alongside experienced midfield duo Luke Parker (arm) and Callum Mills (shoulder) remain sidelined.

205-gamer and new recruit Taylor Adams will play managed time in the VFL this week when he makes his first official appearance in the red and white, returning from a knee injury sustained in the pre-season.

"Taylor was only available for a half this week," the senior coach said.

"We thought the best for his program coming back would be for him to play VFL, just for a half. This has been the first week he's been able to train.

"Hopefully he pulls up well from that and then we can take his progression a bit further next week."

The club have enjoyed a memorable start to 2024, winning their first three games of season 2024. It began with a win over Melbourne on the inaugural Opening Night, followed by a 33-point victory at the MCG against the Pies and last week's win over Essendon at the SCG.

Despite recent success Longmire says his team will need to bring intensity to the contest. 

"We've seen [Richmond] over the last few weeks be really competitive and really threaten to win it," he said this weekend's opponent.

"We're mindful of what their players can do. We've got to be confident to go down there and attack and be the best we can be and have a real go."

Richmond v Sydney Swans - March 31, 4:00pm AEDT - MCG

INS: Robbie Fox, Caleb Mitchell (debut)
OUTS: Harry Cunningham (injured), Sam Wicks (omitted)

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