Senior coach John Longmire has injected much-needed experience into the team naming Taylor Adams in the Round 4 side. The new recruit enjoyed a strong pre-season before a knee injury left him sidelined.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Longmire says he is looking forward to Adams leading a young side of midfielders.
"Over the pre-season he's been fantastic working with our playing group. Helping out some of our more experienced players, as well as our younger players," he said.
Drafted by GWS with Pick 13 in the 2011 National Draft, Taylor Adams made his AFL debut in Round 5 of the 2012 season. After 31 games with the Giants the midfielder moved to Collingwood where he went on to play 10 seasons and five finals campaign for the pies.
"He comes from a great program, obviously had a successful career to date and he shares some of that experience with our playing group."
Cunningham rejoins the side to take on West Coast this Saturday after recovering from a concussion sustained in Round 2. It's an important return to play with fellow defender Dane Rampe out due to injury.
The team suffered their first loss of the 2024 season after an upset at the MCG last week. Despite a comeback late in the match, Richmond prevailed with a five-point win.
Longmire said this week's focus is to apply pressure all over the ground.
"We need to make sure that we apply that real pressure around the ball and put West Coast under enormous pressure when they've got it, he explained, "that usually means that good things happen from that."
"It won't be easy because they've got some good players but we've got to go over there with that intent."
All 18 teams will travel to Adelaide this weekend for the second annual Gather Round. The Swans will face the Eagles in Mount Barker for Saturday afternoon footy.
West Coast Eagles v Sydney Swans - April 6, 1:00pm ACDT/1:30pm AEDT - Mount Barker
INS: Taylor Adams (club debut), Harry Cunningham
OUTS: Dane Rampe (injured), Corey Warner (omitted)
| Backs | Jake Lloyd | Tom McCartin | Lewis Melican |
| Half Backs | Matt Roberts | Nick Blakey | Oliver Florent |
| Centreline | Errol Gulden | Chad Warner | James Jordon |
| Half Forwards | Will Hayward | Logan McDonald | Taylor Adams |
| Forwards | Tom Papley | Joel Amartey | Robbie Fox |
| Followers | Brodie Grundy | Isaac Heeney | James Rowbottom |
| Interchange | Harry Cunningham | Justin McInerney | Braeden Campbell |
| Caleb Mitchell | Hayden McLean | ||
| Emergency | Peter Ladhams | Corey Warner | Aaron Francis |
Visit the Match Day Hub for everything you need to know ahead of Round 4.
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00:29
Hayward's one-hander - Rd 4 Mark of the Week, presented by Qatar Airways
Will Hayward reaches out with one hand to finish off a great mark before calmly slotting the goal after a 50m penalty.
AFL
Mark of the Week -
00:52
Roberts launches - Rd 2 Goal of the Week, presented by Origin Energy
Matty Roberts launches a huge shot from 50m to kick a goal in front of his hometown at Gather Round.
AFL
Goal of the Week -
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01:42
Round 4 Team Selection, presented by QBE
Hear from Swans senior coach John Longmire as he goes over the two changes for our Gather Round clash with West Coast
AFL
Team Selection
