The Sydney Swans have named a near full strength side to take on Essendon in Saturday afternoon’s season opener at ANZ Stadium.
Jarrad McVeigh and Ben McGlynn are the only experienced players set to miss the round one encounter after failing to recover from respective injuries that have hindered their pre-seasons.
QBE Academy recruit Isaac Heeney has been named to make his debut after being selected with pick 18 in last year’s National Draft.
Despite injury concerns in recent weeks, Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin will combine up forward after both proving their fitness at training on Thursday afternoon.
Coach John Longmire said he was confident with the side that had been selected to kick off the 2015 home and away season.
“We have had a lot of different players play over the last three weeks and intra-clubs at training but we have refined the team now,” he said.
“There are maybe a couple who are unlucky to be missing out but we are confident with the team we have selected.”
“We are expecting a big and tough clash against the Bombers this week.”
See the full team below:
B: Shaw, Grundy, Smith
HB: Rampe, Richards, Rohan,
C: Cunningham, Kennedy, Bird
HF: Jack, Reid, Goodes
F: Heeney, Franklin, Tippett
R: Pyke, Hannebery, Parker
Interchange: Laidler, Jetta, Lloyd, Towers
Emergencies: Mitchell, Naismith, Robinson
