Round 8 vs Melbourne 

Saturday May 8, 7.25pm, MCG

IN: Franklin, Rampe, Fox

OUT: Heeney (ankle), Melican (hamstring), Stephens (omitted), Clarke (omitted)

Lance Franklin will return to the Sydney Swans side to face Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night.

It will be Franklin's first game at the MCG in 1000 days, his last appearance was Round 21, 2018, when coincidentally the Swans also faced the Demons.

Franklin comes into the side alongside two other big inclusions, defenders Dane Rampe and Robbie Fox.

A key to the Swans backline, Rampe has missed the last three games due to a finger injury sustained in early April.

"Lance has been running and doing all the training he has been required to do," coach John Longmire said. 

"Dane is obviously a very important player for us and it's great to get him back in the team as well."

Defender Robbie Fox also comes back into the side for his first game of season 2021, after an impressive return in the VFL side last week. Fox suffering a finger injury in February in the pre-season.

"Fox is naturally fit, he is our fittest player as far as his ability to run and he's been able to run with the injury he has had to his hand," Longmire said.

"He played really well last week and trained well so it's great to have him back too."

Isaac Heeney (ankle) and Lewis Melican (hamstring) will both miss the match due to injuries sustained against the Cats last week.

"Isaac jammed his ankle up a bit last week and it just hasn't recovered," Longmire said.

"He's obviously had the hand injury and been beaten up a little bit and we are hopeful of getting him back next week. He's a very important player for us.

"Lewis played really well for us last week but unfortunately, he strained a hamstring."

Longmire is aware of the challenge his side will face against the top-of-the-table Demons.

"They are doing everything right, they are undefeated, they are playing good system-based football and have confidence in that," Longmire said.

"It's a big challenge on their home deck but one we are looking forward to."

First bounce is 7.25pm and the game will be live on Fox Footy, Channel 7 and Kayo Sports.

Sydney Swans vs Melbourne Demons