The Sydney Swans will be without forward Lance Franklin (bone bruising) and ruckman Tom Hickey (PCL) fort the next few weeks, with the two ruled out with injury following the Round 5 defeat to the GWS Giants.
Coach John Longmire is confident in whoever comes into the team, noting the squad mentality to make sure each and every player will be ready to go.
“It gets back to that squad mentality to make sure that your players underneath are in good enough form,” Longmire said.
“Will Hayward was a great example on the weekend. His form has been really strong for a few weeks in our reserves, comes back in and plays really well.
“The whole squad needs to be making sure they are in really good form so when they opportunity comes, or you force your way in, they are ready to go.”
Whilst Longmire did not confirm who would be called in to replace Franklin and Hickey, there were plenty of options to fill the void.
Hayden McLean, who is coming off a three-goal performance in the Swans’ round one VFL victory over the Giants on Saturday, played in the forward line in rounds one and three when Franklin was not in the side.
Callum Sinclair collected 17 disposals and 34 hit outs in the VFL clash while Joel Amartey had 14 disposals one goal and one behind in his weekend performance in the VFL forward line.
Sam Naismith commenced full training earlier this month, as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
“We think we have some options. We have some experience and some youth. We haven’t worked out who or what it looks like just yet, but we think we have some options,” Longmire said.
“Hayden is one that has certainly been able to play that role [up front] in senior level and in the reserves, and still play a consistent brand of footy, so that is a good start.”
“Callum is one that could play in the ruck, absolutely. But we will look at the team and what it looks like. We need to make sure everyone has a role for what this week demands but he has played a fair bit of footy in the seniors for us.”
Longmire did however confirm midfield James Rowbottom was set to make his return after overcoming a knee injury picked up in Round 1 against Brisbane and played a full game in the VFL victory on the weekend.
Rowbottom had 23 touches and made seven tackles on the weekend.
"He'll come back in. He's a good player," Longmire said.
"We felt he needed another run on the weekend, and he got through that pretty well. He's pulled up pretty good from that.
"He's an important player for us, he puts some pressure on the opposition, so we'll bring him back in."
Tickets for the Swans next home game against Geelong on Saturday night, May 1 will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday April 20. All details can be found here.
