The Swans are sweating on the fitness of ruckman Mike Pyke ahead of Thursday night’s encounter with Port Adelaide.
With the imminent return of Power ruckman Paddy Ryder, Pyke’s inclusion would bolster the Swans’ stocks especially in the absence of second choice ruckman Kurt Tippett and full-forward Lance Franklin (both suspended).
General Manager of Football Tom Harley confirmed in this week’s HCF Injury Update Pyke, who has missed one week with soreness, was “likely to play” but would undergo a fitness test during Tuesday night’s training session before given the all clear.
“He’s looking likely at this stage, it’s probably more likely than not at this stage,” Harley said.
“We’re having a run under the lights and Mike will obviously be part of that session and assessed.
“All things being considered and with the week off, we’re hoping that Mike gets up.”
Ben McGlynn is another pushing his name in front of the match committee after recovering from a hamstring strain which has seen the on-baller miss the past two matches.
Pending training McGlynn is another likely starter but “it will be up to senior coach John Longmire and the rest of the coaching staff to determine whether that’ll be in the seniors or NEAFL,” according to Harley.
“I think everyone is looking forward to seeing Ben out on the park again.”
Isaac Heeney’s comeback, postponed last weekend, will resume on Saturday in the Swans’ NEAFL clash with the UWS Giants at Blacktown International Sports Park.
Craig Bird and Dan Robinson, as confirmed by Longmire on Monday, should only miss a week after both were injured in the Swans’ curtain-raiser against Sydney Uni on Friday.