The Sydney Swans will welcome back a seasoned defender and a young ruckman as part of multiple changes for Saturday night’s clash against Hawthorn.

Four changes in total have been made ahead of the Round 16 encounter with the Hawks at ANZ Stadium.

Headlining the inclusions, Ted Richards will slot back into defence in replace of Jeremy Laidler (injured) while Toby Nankervis comes in for his second game for first-string ruck choice Mike Pyke (injured).

Laidler and Pyke were forced changes due to injury, while Dan Robinson and Dean Towers have been omitted in favour of Craig Bird and Brandon Jack.

Laidler will miss for the first time in 2015 after hurting his ankle in the opening stages of last weekend’s clash against Brisbane.

Laidler failed to take part in the Swans’ final training session on Thursday along with Pyke who has again succumbed to an ongoing knee complaint, the same knee injury which forced him out of Round 13’s clash with Richmond.

“It’s still giving him some trouble so he’ll miss this week,” Longmire said of Pyke in this week’s Centrum Team Selection.

“So there’s two forced changes and the other two will play in the NEAFL and hopefully play quite well and put pressure on to come back into the team.

“We’re really looking forward to Craig and Brandon coming back in and helping us on Saturday.”

Longmire said Richards’ inclusion is a timely one given the Hawks boast a potent forward line (the best in the competition statistically) and in light of Jarryd Roughead’s return.

Richards kept the dangerous Roughead goalless in the clubs’ last outing, back in Round 8 at the MCG, and will more than likely line up next to the swing man once again.

And, in an effort to inject some experience and extra speed, Longmire has called upon Bird and Jack to help fill the void while Nankervis’ performance against the Power showed the big man was up to the task.

“We know Birdy is a quality player, experienced and can play a number of different roles for us,” Longmire added.

“Jack has spent the majority of the season in the NEAFL but has been consistent and gets reward for delivering a good level of football every week.”

The Swans will look to record a second straight victory against the Hawks after turning the tables of the reigning premiers with a strong four-point win in Round 8.

History says the Swans have the upper hand at ANZ Stadium having played Hawthorn in Homebush three times, winning two and losing one, but overall Hawthorn hold sway with eight wins from 12 previous encounters.

The first bounce is scheduled for 7.20pm AEST with the game broadcast into Sydney live on 7mate.