Rising Sydney Swans forward Will Hayward will return from a three-week stint on the sideline to face the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon.

Hayward, who broke his jaw in Sydney’s win over Carlton in Round 3, will join Kieren Jack and utility Robbie Fox in returning to the team.

Jack will return for his 251^st AFL match after overcoming a hip injury, while Fox has earned a call-up off the back of glowing form in the NEAFL, with Ben Ronke, Ryan Clarke and James Rowbottom the omissions.

Sydney coach John Longmire says it’s a big plus to be welcoming Hayward back.

“It’s great to have Will back in the team,” Longmire told QBE Team Selection.

“He’s obviously a very important young player for us and in such a short period of time he’s proven how valuable he is to our front half. He’s been training well for a couple of weeks.”

Jack played his 250^th game in the Swans’ match against Richmond two weeks ago, before a hip complaint saw him miss Sydney Derby XVII last Saturday.

Longmire said his experience made for a significant addition to the side.

“You look at our front half and we have some youth up there, which is really exciting for the club, but it’s also good to have some experience around them,” Longmire said.

“Kieren’s got that role in the forward line but also in the midfield if he needs to go through there to add some experience – and we think that’s really valuable for the team.”

Fox recorded 37 disposals and three goals in a best-on-ground performance in the Swans’ NEAFL clash with GWS last week.

The 26-year-old has played 13 AFL games and can bolster Sydney in the forward line, midfield and defence.

Longmire said Fox’s NEAFL form had been outstanding.

“He was fantastic last week. We had a couple of boys we were looking at potentially bringing into the team and he was one of those,” Longmire said.

“We think the role he can play for us this week will be important, and he comes back into the team with some really good form from last week.”

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