The Sydney Swans’ defensive stocks have been bolstered with the addition of Ted Richards for Saturday’s encounter with Richmond.
Richards will return after overcoming a fractured eye socket which sidelined the 33-year-old for the past two weeks.
The veteran defender is one of two changes for the Round 8 clash at the MCG, with Richards joining the recalled Dean Towers for the interstate trip.
Dan Robinson (dislocated shoulder) and Ben McGlynn (corked thigh) will miss with injuries.
Richards has managed four games this season and has been in great touch, playing out the game despite injuring his eye socket to win the HMAS Sydney Medal as best-on-ground against the Eagles in Round 5.
His inclusion will be key to limiting the impact of Richmond’s forward duo Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery.
“He’s missed a couple of weeks, obviously before that he played very well against the Eagles so it’s great to get him back into the team,” Longmire said in this week’s Centrum Team Selection.
“Obviously his experience in the back half (will be crucial) and I’m sure he’s looking forward to getting down there and playing on the MCG.”
After a strong performance with the NEAFL Swans last weekend (28 disposals), Towers earns another opportunity at AFL level.
The explosive forward has featured in three AFL games this season, but hasn’t been able to cement his place with competition for spots and a short injury list not helping the 25-year-old’s cause.
“He’s played the last couple of weeks in our reserves and played at a high level so we’re happy to get him back,” Longmire added.
“He gives us some really good run and power around the ball. And obviously after losing Ben McGlynn, he gives us some important speed as well across the MCG.”
Despite playing out the game last weekend, McGlynn hasn’t recovered from his corked thigh in time for the trip to Melbourne. However, Longmire remains confident his small forward will available for next week’s clash.
Robinson on the other hand is a long-term prospect after surgery on his dislocated shoulder was confirmed on Wednesday.
Richmond has won the past two clashes with the Swans, the last decided by 18 points at the SCG. In 40 encounters between the two sides at the MCG, the Tigers hold sway with 26 wins including three of the last four meetings at the home of football.
