Swans coach John Longmire says the Jack and Richards’ brothers will take the field together for the first time this weekend.

Speaking alongside GWS Giants coach Kevin Sheedy at the AFL NSW offices this morning, Longmire confirmed that Swans’ rookies Brandon Jack and Xavier Richards were both likely to play in the club’s NAB Cup tri-series against the Giants and Carlton this Sunday alongside older brothers Kieren and Ted.

“We’ll probably play half of our team this week that played in the grand final,” Longmire said.

“We’ll also manage to see Brandon Jack play and Xavier Richards play, who are a couple of brothers of current day players, and we’ll give those kids an opportunity along with a number of others to taste what senior AFL footy is all about.

“Ted and Kieren will both play, so if their brothers play it will be their first game together and I’m sure it will be something they wouldn’t have expected so early, but it’s a great story from it.”

Longmire said Brandon, who has impressed this pre-season with his lightning pace, was likely to play in a small forward role this weekend but could not confirm how much time he would spend on field.

“At the moment he is a quick small forward and those pressure-type players are really important and that’s where he is at the moment,” he said.

“It will only be a small taste of what it’s about and I’m not sure how much game time he’ll get, but it’s a great story for AFL footy to be able to bring players in from the local area.

“He’s come from an amazing background if you consider where their family sits in this state and what Kieren has done for our football club has been fantastic.

“So to put his brother on our rookie list last year for no other reason than that we thought he was a chance and he’s got some electric pace is fantastic.”

The coach added that Richards would also be given limited game time in this weekend’s clash.

“Xavier is a key position player who is a little bit younger than what Teddy is,” he said.

“He’s a really athletic player and if he plays this week he won’t get as much time as some of the others, but if he does he will get an opportunity to play in a key position post.

“He’s just come onto our rookie list this year and he’s got a lot to learn but he’s embraced it and he’s starting to really improve, which all of our young players have started to do.”

In addition to Jack and Richards, eight new Swans, including draftees Dean Towers, Harry Marsh, Tim Membrey and Matthew Dick, will take the field in this weekend’s NAB Cup round.

“Dean Towers is another one who could be given an opportunity this weekend to see how they go,” Longmire said.

“It’s a chance to play against some of the exciting players that Kevin’s got and also some of the experienced players that Mick (Malthouse) is bringing up with Carlton.”

“We want to be competitive all the time and we are going to try to be as competitive as we can this week and our priority always is to get the game time into our players and to practice good habits leading into round one.”

Sydney Swans Team List - NAB Cup Round 1