Names like Sydney Swans youngsters Tom McCartin, Tom Papley, Will Hayward and Nick Blakey are expected to again man the Sydney Swans’ forward line without the commanding presence of star teammate Lance Franklin on Saturday night.

And while McCartin says in an ideal situation the four-time Coleman Medallist would join Sydney’s young forwards in the Hobart clash with North Melbourne, the fresh-faced Swans will relish the opportunity to again stand up in his absence.

Franklin is likely to miss a fourth-straight game due to a hamstring strain as the Swans shoot for back-to-back wins in Saturday’s Blundstone Arena encounter.

But a host of the Swans’ young forwards combined in his absence to play a crucial role in last Friday’s victory over Essendon – and McCartin says they’d spring at the opportunity to back it up against the Roos.

“It’s disappointing that ‘Buddy’ won’t be playing again this week. He’s obviously a massive influence on the team and we can’t wait to get him back. Looking at last week we had a very young forward line, but we all contributed pretty evenly and did our jobs,” McCartin said. 

“That probably gives us a bit of confidence for the time being while ‘Buddy’ isn’t available.”

Rising Sydney forwards McCartin, Papley, Hayward, Blakey, Jordan Dawson and Isaac Heeney all hit the scoreboard against the Bombers, with Sam Reid, Robbie Fox, Oliver Florent and Colin O’Riordan rounding out the remainder of the goal-kickers.

If Franklin misses the Roos game 2012 premiership forward Reid will again play as Sydney’s primary forward target.

The towering Swan has booted 133 goals in 129 games and is this year enjoying an injury-free run after managing just one senior match in 2018. 

Reid featured in Sydney’s first two Tasmania fixtures in history – against Hawthorn in 2012 and North Melbourne in 2013 – before missing a clash with the Roos in the southern state in 2016.

McCartin says the Swans are excited for Saturday’s change of scene.

“A lot of the boys have never been to Tassie,” McCartin said.

“I’ve personally been to Tassie a few times and I love it so I’m looking forward to getting back down there. We’ll have a crack and hopefully we can come away with the win.”