The Swans VFL side will be boosted for Friday night footy on the Gold Coast with Josh Kennedy lining up for the team's match against the Southport Sharks.

The former Swans co-captain and 289-gamer returns to footy after missing the last seven weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained against Carlton in Round 10. 

"Josh's been able to train for a couple of weeks now, he's been out for a significant amount of time so it's just good to see him running around, getting amongst it, getting tackled and getting a few kicks and back into the rough and tumble of playing an AFL game," Swans Senior Coach John Longmire said.

Kennedy's inclusion will no doubt boost the already in-form Swans outfit who are looking for their fourth consecutive victory after wins over Sandringham, Essendon, Williamstown in the last month.

The Swans will also be fresh from the bye for what is set to be a huge fixture against the second placed Southport Sharks under lights.

VFL Coach Jeremy Laidler said his side is looking forward to the challenge against a strong Southport lineup and is expecting a big contested ball game.

"We are looking forward to the challenge, they have a lot of ex-AFL guys and our boys have been in good form so we can't wait," Laidler said.

"They have only lost two games to Casey and Richmond so their form has been unbelievable. The way they hunt the ball and opposition, it's something we pride ourselves on so I think it's going to be a really contested game.

"We will have to be on our game from first bounce because if you give quality opposition a look into the game, the game will be over.

"The boys are really excited, we are playing a really good quality opposition in Southport, they have a really good record at their ground, so it will be good to play under lights and will be a good experience for some of our younger guys."

The match will kick off at 7.05pm on Friday night and you can watch it LIVE via AFL.com.au

VFL Round 17- Friday July 15, 7.05pm

Sydney Swans vs Southport Sharks

Fankhouser Reserve, Southport