John Longmire says his four key forwards could all be in line to face the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night
THE SYDNEY Swans' supremely talented, multi-million dollar forward line could take to the field for the first time together in the club's clash with the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.
Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes and Sam Reid have the potential to form the AFL's most lethal forward line, but injuries have prevented even three of them, let alone all four, playing in the same side together.
But, if they can get through training this week, there is a chance all four will play in a daunting prospect for the young Lions defenders.
Despite some nagging knee issues, Franklin has played every match this year, kicking 12 goals to date, while Goodes came on as a sub against Melbourne on Saturday in his first appearance for 10 months.
Missing since round two with Achilles tendinitis, Reid is now fully fit and ready for a recall, while Tippett is yet to play in the senior side this year due to knee and rib concerns.
Tippett pulled up well from running sessions last Friday and again on Monday, however, and coach John Longmire believes all four talls can co-exist in the Swans' forward line.
"I guess Goodesy is a bit of a different kettle of fish," Longmire said.
"He's played some of his best football as a genuine midfielder, even though he's six-foot-three and a hundred kilos.
"He can actually play a small forward, or high half-forward, role.
"Sam Reid's really quick and so is Lance, they have genuine speed, so it's not just about your height.
"It's also about your speed and ability to put pressure on.
"Kurt's role wouldn't be that high half-forward, so those things we'll have to consider as the week progresses.
"We're getting towards the stage where it'd be good to see them play.
"I'm just holding my breath at the moment to see if they get there."
Franklin had to be subbed out of the victory over the Demons with knee trouble and while his knee is bruised and swollen, Longmire said scans have shown no structural damage.
The superstar has already been on a modified training program for some time and Longmire is confident Franklin will play this week.
Goodes has also recovered well from his first hit-out and could make the starting line-up at the Gabba.
"He didn't play huge game time, so he's probably the best he's pulled up from a game for quite a while," Longmire said of Goodes.
"For a 34-year-old he actually feels quite good today.
"I thought when he came on he made an impact and provided some real life, so we're certainly going to discuss him starting in the 21 this week."
While the forward line is coming together, the Swans' midfield has also returned to form in recent weeks.
Dan Hannebery and Kieren Jack are back near their best, while Ben McGlynn has been a revelation this season and Josh Kennedy has continued his consistent output.
Tom Mitchell has also benefited from a rest, named among the best for the reserves on the weekend, and is right in the mix to boost the Swans' midfield stocks further this week.
Longmire is pleased with the form of his engine room and knows the midfielders are a critical element if the Swans – who are now just percentage outside the top eight – are to have a successful season.
"Whilst over the first few weeks there was varying outputs of performance from them, it's been a bit more consistent over the last couple of weeks," Longmire said.
"If we're going to be competitive this year, we need our midfield group in particular playing consistent football.
"In the last two weeks they've been able to do that. The challenge is to keep doing it and not just relying on one or two."
We believe in writing your own pride story. Community members, fans and allies, everybody is welcome at the footy. Our Nike Pride guernsey proudly weaves the colours of the progress pride flag into the iconic red and white design — just as pride is woven into the fabric of our club and why we play. Presented by Adora Fertility, the official pride partner of the Sydney Swans
16:15
Swans in Review, with Brodie Grundy
A chat with Brodie Grundy as he reflects on the season that was for 2026.
11:35
"She's putting on a really brave face" - O'Riordan
Hear from Swans AFLW senior coach Colin O'Riordan ahead of our clash with Carlton.
03:33
Introducing our new Swan Aly Neyland
Aly arrived at the club with pick 6 in the 2025 AFLW draft. Standing at 178cm she posses all of the attributes to be a super player. Aly is a two-time recipient of the Basil Sellers Scholarship and another graduate of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. Unfortunately injury is going to sideline Aly for the 2026 season, but we know she will come back stronger for 2027. Aly and her family sat down with the Sydney Swans media team for an intimate sit down interview to share just what it means to wear a Sydney Swans Guernsey.
An extended squad has been named, ahead of Sydney's Pride Round clash with Carlton on Sunday.
Key Quotes: Chris Keane, AFL Trade Period
Sydney Swans Head of List Strategy Chris Keane spoke to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey and Riley Beveridge on Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio on Thursday.
AFLW Tipping: Round 9
This is your reminder to get your tips in as Round 9 of the AFLW competition kicks off this Friday. Submit your tips via the Sydney Swans Official Tipping Competition, presented by bitcoin.com.au, to go head-to-head with friends and fellow fans.
Pullar reveals how Swans aim to return to finals in 2026
With four games left of the home-and-away campaign, Sydney are in a strong position to return to the AFLW finals for just the second time in the program’s history.