Dane Rampe will return to play this weekend when the Sydney Swans clash with GWS in Sydney Derby XXVII.

The veteran defender will be crucial in bolstering the backline against a dangerous Giants outfit. Rampe was sidelined four weeks after sustaining a hamstring strain during our Round 3 clash with Richmond. 

Luke Parker will spend another week in the VFL as he continues his return to senior footy. Senior coach John Longmire said that despite his excellent record against the Giants, it's important to set the midfielder up for the rest of the season. 

"Parker's got a great record against the Giants, we understand that but he's had nine weeks off," Longmire explained to Sydney Swans Media. 

"We want to give him the best chance to play well when he comes back in the team. He's better off playing in the VFL this week to get himself right."

The top-four clash is expected to be hotly contested with both sides in form approaching the mid-season bye. To combat the Giants, Longmire is focussing on the team's strength heading into Round 8. 

"We always look at the opposition's strengths and they're doing a lot well," he said.

"Clearly how they're playing at the moment, they're playing great footy. We have to maintain what we know works for us as well."

In other team news, Oliver Florent will run out for his 150th career game and 101st consecutive match. The defender also inked a five-year deal this week, keeping him in red and white until at least 2029.

The now 25-year-old was recruited to the Swans with pick 11 of the 2016 AFL Draft and made his debut in Round 1 of the 2017 season. 

The Swans will head into the Sydney Derby with a 16-10 record against the cross-town rivals. It's the first of two meetings this season, the next derby is scheduled for June 22 at GIANTS Stadium.

First bounce is 1:45pm on Saturday, May 4 at the SCG. 

Sydney Swans v GWS Giants
Saturday, May 4, 1:45pm
SCG

IN: Rampe
OUT: Campbell (omitted)

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