Senior coach John Longmire has provided a shake up to his team ahead of Friday night's clash with the Collingwood Magpies. Four changes have been made to the 22, including the highly-anticipated return of Dane Rampe.
The defender is set to appear on the SCG in Round 22 after sustaining a low-grade calf strain in Round 18. He will be a much needed addition to the side who will hope to bounce back from last week's loss against Port Adelaide.
The veteran will be joined by Joel Amartey - a late out in Round 21 - Braeden Campbell and QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Caiden Cleary.
Speaking to journalists earlier this week Longmire said it was important to give the tall forward a rest.
"Joel feels good, but we saw his program and talked to our medical staff," the senior coach shared in a press conference. "We didn't want to put him at risk with his workload and his history."
The Friday night blockbuster will also provide an exciting opportunity for Cleary to potentially develop his craft against the 2023 premiers. The 19-year-old made his debut in Round 15 against the GWS Giants, kicking a goal from his first touch in the competition.
The last time the Swans met the Pies at home was in the 2022 preliminary final which ended in a one-point thriller. Not only are bragging rights up for grabs, but an opportunity to reaffirm the team's position in the winner's circle.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Longmire is hoping to move on from Round 21.
"We know we've got to play better than what we did last week and our challenge is to do it against the Pies. They're a good team and they're very experience."
Round 22 coincides with our Hall of Fame Game, an opportunity to honour our recent Hall of Famers on the main stage. The inductees will complete a lap of honour from 7:10pm ahead of first bounce at 7:40pm.
