The Sydney Swans have made three changes for Thursday night’s encounter with Port Adelaide at the SCG.

Into the side comes debutant Toby Nankervis, alongside the recalled Mike Pyke and Dean Towers.

In light of one-match suspensions handed out earlier in the week, Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett will both miss for the first time this season.

Tom Derickx has been omitted.

Nankervis, measuring in at 199cm and 101kg, has been selected on the back of outstanding form in the NEAFL and will be looked upon to apply his internally renowned aggression at the top level.

In the absence of Franklin and Tippett, Swans coach John Longmire said Nankervis’ inclusion has come at a good time and will bolster the side’s forward and ruck stocks.

“Toby has been working really hard for his chance,” Longmire said for Round 14 Centrum Team Selection.

“He competes very hard and has been developing his craft well in the NEAFL and we expect him to play his contribution on Thursday night.

“That contribution will be to bring the ball to ground and put some pressure on which he’s very good at.”

The Swans number one ruckman in Pyke makes a timely return after missing last weekend with a knee complaint.

Pyke’s impact in the air in 2015 has been unquestioned, helping the Swans rank among the competition’s best for hit outs to advantage and stoppage clearances this season.

Towers, who has managed five games in 2015, will play his first senior game since Round 7 and will be a valuable asset up forward in the absence of the Swans’ top two avenues to goal.