The Sydney Swans have made three changes to their side to face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Defender Aliir Aliir is set to make his first appearance of the season, while backman Nic Newman and Zak Jones return after missing against Port Adelaide and GWS.

Coach John Longmire said the returning players were ready to go.

“Zak had a really strong week at training,” Longmire said.

“He’s done everything he’s needed to do and we look forward to getting him back in the team.

“Nic’s played a lot of senior footy for us and is a quality senior player and we look forward to his return.

“We looked at what Aliir had done. We went into his program and believe he is ready to return now and look forward to him taking his chance.” 

Forward Sam Reid will miss the game and an estimated eight weeks due to a quad injury sustained in the Swans’ 16-point win over the Giants on Saturday.

Defender Lewis Melican will miss for at least the next two weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained in the Sydney Derby, while forward Gary Rohan (personal reasons) will also miss the Bulldogs clash.

Click here to see the full teams.