An extended squad, featuring three big inclusions, has been named ahead of Sunday’s Round 22 clash with St Kilda.
Lance Franklin, Gary Rohan and Tom Mitchell have been added to the 25-man squad which will then be whittled down before the Swans take on the Saints at Etihad Stadium.
All three are returning from injury and have cleared the first hurdle in a bid to be selected in the final 22 to be chosen based on how well the group trains during the Swans’ final run on Friday.
Franklin has been battling back issues for five weeks but trained strongly on Tuesday to put his name in front of Match Committee, while Rohan rigorously tested out his knee running laps with the aim of joining in with the rest of the group on Friday.
Mitchell has fully recovered from an accidental poke in the eye, suffered on the eve of last weekend’s clash with GWS, with a final training run and tick of approval from the specialist expected to confirm as much.
Swans coach John Longmire said all three would be huge inclusions but “a lot of water had to flow under the bridge” before the final team is locked away.
“We’ll give them every chance to prove their fitness and play on Sunday,” Longmire said for Centrum Team Selection.
“They did various things and all what was required of them … the good news is it’s all looking positive for all three of them at the moment.”
Mitchell has averaged 26 disposals in season 2015, having made the most of his opportunity the prolific ball winner hasn't missed a beat since his Round 4 inclusion.
The Swans would be undoubtedly boosted by the return of key forward in Franklin, who has kicked 45 goals in his 15 games this season and averages more than three every outing against St Kilda.
Rohan’s defensive speed and defensive pressure would be a handy addition to combat the Saints who are currently ranked 4th in the competition for tackles.
“Tom’s ability in and around the stoppages in contested ball situations has been at a very high level,” Longmire said.
“Lance has missed a few games, obviously it’ll be good to get him back in the team and we all know what Gary can provide at his best.”
In other selection news, Ben McGlynn will return to football when the NEAFL Swans take on Aspley in the final round of the home and away season.
McGlynn has been hampered by soft tissue concerns and will travel for the Brisbane-based clash in a bid for a senior recall.
The final team will be announced online at 5pm on Friday afternoon.