Coach John Longmire has praised the profound impact some of the great Indigenous players have had upon the Sydney Swans ahead of Marn Grook at the SCG.

The Swans will kick off Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round against the Blues on Friday night.

Longmire said the match was a fanastic tradition that had grown in Sydney over the last 16 years.

“We had the Marn Grook game in 2002 against Essendon and to really recognise the great Indigenous players that have been in our game for such a long time has been fantastic and it’s grown incredibly since that point," Longmire said.

"It’s a real honour to play in these games – not only for Indigenous players but for everyone."

"It’s such an important part of our fabric. On and off the field the Indigenous cultures have given so much and to be able to recognise that with Indigenous Round is fantastic.”

Superstar forward Lance Franklin will run out against Carlton to continue the great legacy set by Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin before him as some of the best Indigenous players to have pulled on the red and white.

"We’ve been blessed that we’ve had some of the best Indigenous players that have ever played the game across any club perform for our Club and run out for our Club on a weekly basis,"

"I’ve been very fortunate to have a close relationship with all of those guys you’ve mentioned and it’s been an unbelievable experience to see them grow as people on and off the ground.

"To contribute not only the skills they have on the ground but to be able to contribute to society the way that they do has been a real privilege to see."