Veteran defender Ted Richards will make his long-awaited return to the Sydney Swans line-up in Friday night’s blockbuster against Geelong.

Sidelined for over a month with concussion, suffered in Round 9 against Hawthorn, the 33-year-old is back and headlines four inclusions for the clash at Simonds Stadium.

He joined a trio of youngsters in fellow defender Aliir Aliir, small forward Tom Papley and ruckman Sam Naismith for the journey interstate.

They replace Isaac Heeney (managed), Jeremy Laidler (omitted), Toby Nankervis (omitted) and Ben McGlynn (omitted) in the final side.

Richards is set to bolster a defensive half primed for an intriguing battle with the Cats’ imposing forward line.

Following strong back-to-back performances with the NEAFL Swans, coach John Longmire believes Richards adds more than just a solid body in defence.

“Geelong are one of the best marking teams inside forward 50 and they are a very good forward group so we need to make sure the defence is a strong area for us," Longmire said.

“Ted adds some really good experience for us down back and we really look forward to having him back in our side."

Aliir receives his third opportunity at senior level this season after his best-on-ground showing in last week’s NEAFL win against NT Thunder.

Speaking in the Round 16 Team Selection, Longmire said the 193cm defender was “banging down the door” for his senior recall.

And the same applies for Papley and Naismith.

Shin soreness forced Papley out of the senior side after the first-year played the first eight games of the season.

A promising display in the NEAFL last Saturday convinced match committee that the exciting goal-kicker was ready to take his place again under the bootlaces of full-forward Lance Frankllin.

Naismith meanwhile will play his first senior game since his AFL debut in Round 23, 2014.

The 205cm ruckman, the tallest player ever to wear the red and white, has battled recurring injuries but gets his chance at last.

Brandon Jack, Xavier Richards and Toby Nankervis have been named as emergencies.

Sydney’s last win at Kardinia Park came in 2011, with three matches since going the way of the home side.

Of the past eight clashes between the two sides, the ledger is split with the last (Round 19, 2015) ending in a 32-point win to Geelong.

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