On the eve of the home and away season, senior coach John Longmire is buoyed by the flexibility key position forward Sam Reid is set to provide in 2017.

Reid failed to play a game at AFL last season after succumbing to an Achilles and calf injuries which kept him sidelined.

Fully fit now, Reid will add another dimension to the Swans’ forward line alongside Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett.

Longmire is excited by what he has seen from the 25-year-old over the JLT Community Series and leading into his eighth season at the Club.

“Sam Reid, whether it was last year or this year, was always playing majority of his football as our centre half forward,” Longmire told SEN radio.

“As he has done all pre-season, that is what he would have done last year and he has done it this year and he has looked really good.

“It adds a lot more flexibility to our team because he is quick, has great defensive skills and is a good mark for his size.”

“He is a really valuable player for us and that allows us to put others around him.”

Despite missing the regular season, Reid continued to push his case for finals to come into serious consideration for a last-minute call up for the Grand Final.

As a consolation, it meant Reid enjoyed trouble-free off-season and began pre-season with the rest of the playing group and away from medicos.

One man who didn't was Lance Franklin who had to overcome some off-season shoulder surgery but their are few doubts about the star forward being ready for Saturday’s Round 1 clash against Port Adelaide at the SCG.

“Over the last six or seven weeks he has been as good as anyone,” Longmire added.

“He is looking extremely well so we are really confident he can have another good year.

“The way he trains and brings other players into the game is at an elite level and he is looking really good at the moment.”

Make sure you join us as we kick off the 2017 season against Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon at the SCG. Click here to get your tickets today!