Swans ruckman Shane Mumford has been withdrawn from Sunday’s round four clash with North Melbourne with a back injury.
Mumford, who was forced to withdraw from the team’s round two match against Fremantle with a similar complaint, will be replaced by big man Mark Seaby who will take on the number one ruck duties for this weekend’s encounter.
Swans coach John Longmire said Mumford pulled up sore after today’s training session and will not be fit to play this weekend.
“Shane’s back flared up again today,” Longmire told SwansTV.
“It’s a bit similar to what happened two weeks ago, and it is an issue that we’ve got to get right.
“We thought he was fantastic last week on ball for us, and he pulled up immediately after the game pretty well but then the longer the week has gone on, the worse his back has gotten, so he’s unfortunately out.
“Our medical staff are doing everything in their power to make sure it’s not an ongoing issue so that’s what they’re working on at the moment."
Longmire said Seaby’s performance two weeks ago against Dockers big man Aaron Sandilands has given the team confidence in his ability to come into the team and play a significant role.
Former Crow Tony Armstrong has also been called up for this weekend’s match, and will play his first match for the Swans following an injury interrupted pre-season.
“Tony Armstrong will make his debut for the footy club, which is really exciting for Tony,” Longmire said.
“He’s been a long-time Sydney Swans supporter as a kid, so it’s great to see him play his first game for the footy club.
Longmire said Armstrong’s form in the Swans’ reserves has been outstanding over the last four weeks.
“The reason we recruited him was to give some real run and ball use and we think he can do that either through the midfield or half back,” he said.
“He is able to play a number of roles for us and his last month in the reserves has been impressive.”
Armstrong said he could not be more excited to be making his debut for the Swans this week.
“I’m stoked,” he said.
“I didn’t think it would come this quickly with the pre-season that I had, but things sort of fell my way and it’s just awesome to be out there playing with the boys.
“I grew up as a Swans fans and like any player, you always want to play for the team you supported as a kid and I’m lucky enough that it’s going that happen this weekend."
But the classy defender was adamant that he would not be replacing dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes’ place in the team.
“I don’t think replacing Adam Goodes is even possible!” he said.
“I’m just going to come in and play my roles and hope that the rest can look after itself.
“I just could not be more excited!"
Tough midfielder Jarred Moore has been named as an emergency for Sunday’s match.
Sydney Swans v North Melbourne
Sunday April 22, 2012
3.15pm
SCG
B M.Mattner, H.Grundy, A.Johnson
HB A.Everitt, T.Richards, R.Shaw
C K.Jack, J.Bolton, L.Jetta
HF J.McVeigh, S.Reid, G.Rohan
F C.Bird, R.O'Keefe, B.McGlynn
Foll M.Seaby, J.Kennedy, D.Hannebery
I/C T.Armstrong, N.Malceski, L.Parker, J.White
Emg H.Cunningham J.Moore T.Walsh
In: M.Seaby , T.Armstrong
Out: S.Mumford (Back) , A.Goodes (Suspension)
New: T.Armstrong (Adelaide)
Milestone: A.Everitt - 50 games
