Sydney Swans v Richmond – Round Eleven
Friday May 27, 7.50pm AEST

INS: Braeden Campbell, Matty Roberts, James Rowbottom, Sam Reid
OUTS: Tom Hickey (injured), Josh Kennedy (injured), James Bell (omitted), Colin O'Riordan (omitted)

The Sydney Swans have made four changes to the side ahead of their Round 11 fixture against Richmond at the SCG. Highlighting this week’s changes is Matthew Roberts who will make his debut in the red and white.

“It’s great to tell a young player that they’re going to play their first game,” says senior coach John Longmire.

“Matt came to the club at the end of last year in the draft and what we saw in the draft and what he’s shown us over the pre-season is that he’s got great composure. He’s hard enough when he needs to be and he’s a natural footballer who learns really well. It’s an exciting time for him and his family.

"He came into the side and adapted really quickly, he’s been able to learn really quickly, he’s got great game awareness, and game sense. We know it’s a different challenge in the next level up and the pressure will be on, but we feel like he’s got the temperament to be able to handle that.”

James Rowbottom will return from a one game suspension, while club veteran Josh Kennedy and ruckman Tom Hickey will miss out due to injury.

“Josh obviously suffered a bad hamstring injury last week. Hickey has had a bit of a toe issue the last couple of weeks, he’s pulled up a bit sore at training. We’ve lost a bit of experience out there, but we gain some of that in Sam Reid who comes back into the side.”

Longmire admits the Swans have a tough task on their hands as they look to bounce back from their loss to Carlton last week.

“We need to make sure we’re consistent over four quarters. Richmond have been one of the form teams of the competition over the last month. We’ve shown some good periods in games, but we need to be more consistent over four quarters in what we know is going to be a red hot game here at the SCG,” said Longmire.

The Sydney Swans will play in their annual Marn Grook fixture, as the club pays tribute to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander cultures and their contribution to football.

“Our whole club went on a cultural cruise on Tuesday, we really enjoyed that and we learned a lot about the culture that we didn’t know about which is really valuable. We’ve been fortunate to have some of the greatest indigenous players to play football for our club and to be able to celebrate that is really exciting and we’re really looking forward to it,” said Longmire.

Get all the important information in our Match Day Hub ahead of Round 11

ROUND 11 TEAM - Sydney Swans v Richmond, Marn Grook at the SCG