The Sydney Swans will take an experienced outfit to Queensland for their JLT Community Series opener against Brisbane.
Spearheaded by reigning Coleman medallist and All Australian Lance Franklin at full-forward, the Swans are pulling no punches as they prepare to roll out a near full-strength team in Moreton Bay's Central Sports Complex for the first of two dress rehearsals for the upcoming premiership season.
Franklin is joined by five of the seven-man leadership group - Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe, Nick Smith and Kieren Jack - while Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills and Will Hayward have all overcome their respective injury concerns to be named to play their first competitive hitout of the pre-season.
Heath Grundy, Dan Hannebery, Jarrad McVeigh and Zak Jones - who have a combined 784 games of AFL exeprience - are all notable absentees due to respective injury concerns but, especially the latter two, are nearing returns.
These minor setbacks present opportunities for others.
Rhyley Stoddart, who made the most of his limited game time in last weekend's practice match against GWS, is the only pre-season recruit selected, with fellow draftee Tom McCartin named as an emergency for the trip north.
Following impressive pre-season campaigns, which have included leading roles in the AFLX and the praccy at Henson Park, midfielder Harry Cunningham and defender Harry Marsh will look to build and continue to press their case for a senior berth while Ollie Florent and Robbie Fox will, like 12 months earlier, have another chance to jumpstart their seasons with strong showings in the JLT Series.
In the absence of Grundy, Rampe will again the pillar on the last line of defence with fellow keys Lewis Melican and Aliir Aliir in support.
The Swans will have a six-day break before their second and final JLT Series clash, against the Giants at Blacktown International Sportspark.
JLT Community Series
Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans
Saturday, March 3
Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex
3.35pm first bounce
JLT1 Squad
B: Nick Smith, Lewis Melican, Aliir Aliir
HB: Nic Newman, Dane Rampe, Gary Rohan
C: Harry Cunningham, Josh Kennedy, Jake Lloyd
HF: George Hewett, Sam Reid, Will Hayward
F: Tom Papley, Lance Franklin, Dean Towers
Foll: Sam Naismith, Luke Parker, Kieren Jack
Int (from): Isaac Heeney, Oliver Florent, Callum Mills, Callum Sinclair
Robbie Fox, Ryley Stoddart, James Rose, Harry Marsh
Emerg: Darcy Cameron, Jordan Foote, Tom McCartin, Dan Robinson
