The Sydney Swans have made six changes to their side to face the Western Bulldogs in a blockbuster Friday night fixture at the SCG.
Headlining the inclusions is former skipper, Dane Rampe who returns to the side after a calf injury has kept him sidelined the past month. Hayden McLean, Corey Warner, Matt Roberts, Tom Hanily and Harry Kyle have also been in inlcuded for the Round 17 clash.
They come in for a handful of injured Swans: Joel Amartey (achilies), Logan McDonald (quad tightness), Peter Ladhams (groin), Sam Wicks (hamstring) while Mal Rosas Jnr and Riley Bice have been omitted.
Senior Coach Dean Cox said he was excited to bring back a stalwart of the Swans backline in 280-gamer Dane Rampe.
"We're really excited (to have Rampe back)", Cox said.
"Obviously he had an extended break with the calf and from there played VFL last week, he got through really well. He is really important to our backline and need some experience at this time of year."
Also coming into the team for his fifth game of the year is forward Hayden McLean who continues to be a standout at VFL level.
"He's been outstanding all year and taken his opportunities when he's come in and obviously we have a couple of talls out this week so it's really important to make sure he gets back in, in good form," Cox said.
Second placed Sydney will be looking to bounce back after their loss to the Lions last week on the road and and are wary of a dangerous Dogs outfit with the message this week to the playing group "be aware".
"We reviewed the Brisbane game really heavily and we look forward to making amends," Cox said.
"We played them earlier in the year but they will make about ten changes to the team we played then and they have won three of the last four games."
The match will see two-time Club Champion Jake Lloyd move into sixth place for the all-time games played for the Sydney Swans.
Lloyd will play his 287th game in Swans colours to overtake two-time Premiership player, Norm Smith Medallist and All-Australian Ryan O’Keefe who finished his career on 286 games.
The Round 17 fixture also marks the club's annual Pride Game - a fixture which celebrates inclusivity with the LGBTIQA+ community and provides a platform to listen, learn, and highlight stories. The game has grown into a powerful symbol of diversity in sport, carrying the message that everyone is welcome at the football.
"It's a great part of our yearly calendar and for everyone to feel safe and welcome at the footy, and anywhere," Cox said.
"We have partnered for a long time with the Rainbow Swans, Twenty10 and Adora Fertility so we are really excited to be part of that."
Tickets for the game are still available and can be purchased HERE.
