Ryan O'Keefe a late inclusion after Kieren Jack pulls out with sore back
KIEREN Jack is a huge late withdrawal for the Sydney Swans, missing Saturday's season-opening match against GWS with a sore back.
The Swans' co-captain, who hasn’t missed a game in more than two seasons, woke up on Saturday morning with a sore back and won't line up in the fifth instalment of the Sydney derby.
It comes after the news that Alex Johnson again hurt his knee earlier in the reserves' match against GWS, his first game since the 2012 Grand Final following two knee operations.
The severity of Johnson's injury is not yet known on a day when both teams will aim for a strong start to the year and the Swans will unveil Lance Franklin for the first time.
The Swans at least have a more than handy replacement for Jack, with former All Australian and Norm Smith medallist Ryan O'Keefe – a surprise omission from the original side selected – coming in as a replacement.
O'Keefe will start as the Swans' substitute, with Tom Mitchell, Harry Cunningham and Dane Rampe on the bench for the opening bounce at Spotless Stadium.
For the Giants, gun midfielder Dylan Shiel is a surprising substitute in coach Leon Cameron's first official match at the helm, with Tom Bugg, Stephen Coniglio and GWS debutant Josh Hunt starting on the bench.
GWS is hoping for a crowd in excess of 20,000 for the match, which would destroy the previous record at the ground of 12,314 for the round 22 match against Richmond last year.
Go behind the scenes for our Centre circle launch for 2024.
04:36
Best of the Best, presented by bitcoin.com.au - Round 7
Re-live the moment the Sydney Swans won the 2012 Grand Final, courtesy of a magic goal from Nick Malceski, and Ben Ronke's incredible seven goals in just this third game in the AFL.
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"I pride myself on being consistent" - Rowbottom
Hear from Swans star James Rowbottom ahead of his 100th AFL game.
09:01
"We saw what Hawthorn did last week" - Longmire
Hear from Swans senior coach John Longmire as he addresses the media ahead of our clash with Hawthorn.
James Rowbottom is set to become the 142nd Swans 100-gamer this Sunday afternoon.
Opposition Watch – Round 7 v Hawthorn
We take a look at our Round 7 opposition, Hawthorn, ahead of Sunday's clash at the MCG.
TEAM: Squad to face Hawthorn named
An extended squad to face Hawthorn at the MCG in Round 7 has been named, with the final team to be confirmed on Friday, April 26.
Hall of Fame Bio: Ron Clegg
As we reflect on the club's 150 year history, which began in South Melbourne in 1874 and then to the harbour city in 1982, we will take a look back each week and feature our Sydney Swans Hall of Fame.