The Sydney Swans have welcomed back more than 300 games of experience with the selection of Jarrad McVeigh and Zak Jones for Friday night's clash with Melbourne.

McVeigh, two weeks back from an injury layoff, was all class in his NEAFL debut last weekend to force the selectors’ hands and select him in the senior side.

McVeigh joins Jones as the two changes this week, the duo replacing Will Hayward (foot) and Callum Sinclair (omitted) for the Round 15 blockbuster at the MCG.

Speaking for Centrum Team Selection, coach John Longmire said McVeigh, blessed with 289 games of experience and proven leadership qualities, is a handy addition for a team aiming to win its seventh game in eight matches.

“It is great to have him back in the team,” Longmire said.

“We tossed up whether he should come back into the team last week but we decided to be a bit more conservative with him but he pulled up really well from that game.

“He came through the weeks training really well so it is good to have him back.”
 
Jones, who's served a one-match suspension for striking in the Round 12 win against Richmond, was a confirmed inclusion ahead of Thursday’s team announcement with Longmire keen to welcome the speedy and aggressive on-baller back into the fold.

Averaging more than 20 disposals per game in 2017, the 22-year-old will add further depth to a midfield group poised for its big task in quelling Melbourne’s ball-winners on Friday night.

“He is a really important player for us and it is great to get him back in the team because wherever he plays he adds important run for us,” Longmire said.

“We missed him last week so it is great to have him back this week.”

Hayward and Sinclair's respective omissions is simply hard luck, rather than form related.

Hayward has been carrying a niggling injury of which he's been given the opportunity to rest while Sinclair makes way due to match-ups leaving Sam Naismith to go head-to-head against Max Gawn.

Recent history favours Sydney, having won the last five encounters by an average of more than 50 points.

Melbourne last defeated the Swans in Round 17, 2010, while the clubs’ have played in two draws over the journey, the latest as recent as 2011.

Last time they met the Swans came out on top in a wet-weather scrap at the SCG - 12.14 (86) to 4.7 (31) - with Josh Kennedy and Dan Hannebery (28 disposals apiece) starring while Lance Franklin kicked four goals.

Jeremy Laidler, Jordan Foote and Callum Sinclair have been named as emergencies.

To view the full squad, click here.