Swans coach John Longmire has signalled some fresh faces are likely to line up in the red and white for Saturday night’s Round 1 clash with Collingwood.
Exeprienced trio Jarrad McVeigh, Sam Reid and Gary Rohan have all been ruled out of the season opener at the SCG with injury.
Former West Coast ruckman Callum Sinclair and former Western Bulldogs’ defender Michael Talia are both in line to make their debut for the club after impressing throughout the pre-season.
First-round draft selection Callum Mills could also be in contention after showing he is up to the level during his three NAB Challenge matches across half back.
Meanwhile Tom Papley and Nic Newman are pushing to be elevated to the senior list after Rohan was recently placed on the long-term injury list.
Longmire said he expected there to be some debutants in Swans colours on Saturday night.
“One of the exciting things we have been able to trial over the pre-season is giving some of the younger kids a chance,” Longmire said.
“Some of the younger kids played in the reserves on the weekend and some of them played quite well.
“We would expect some new faces this weekend regardless of whether they have been at another AFL club or not.
Longmire said Ted Richards and Ben McGlynn would both be fit to play this weekend but a decision was still to be made on whether they would line up against the Magpies.
“Certainly this week both McGlynn and Richards will play, (but) at what level we are not sure,” Longmire said.
“They didn’t play in the last reserves practice game so that will come into some consideration.
“We will have a chat about it later in the week in regards to what we do.”
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