Sydney recruit Taylor Adams is primed to make his club debut after overcoming a pre-season knee injury.
Adams was sidelined for a month after sustaining a medial ligament strain in his left knee during a practice match against the Brisbane Lions in early March.
The former Collingwood midfielder has yet to feature in a senior game in red and white but played two quarters in their VFL match against Richmond last weekend.
Swans coach John Longmire has all but promised a spot for Adams in his side against West Coast on Saturday should he get through training ahead of Gather Round.
“If he trains today, he plays his first game for us,” Longmire said on Wednesday.
“He’s got so much to add. He is a hard competitor and that’s a big reason why we got him.
“We looked at the team last week (against Richmond) and we had seven midfielders that were 23 and under.
“We feel like that group has been terrific … but they are still young and they’re still learning.
“One of the reasons why we wanted some more experience last year with Taylor was to be able to help that young midfield group out.
“From the moment he walked into the place, he’s provided Luke Parker and Callum Mills with a bit of extra help as far as leadership in our midfield group.
“You can hear the group, see the group learning off him all the time.”
Sydney have secured James Rowbottom until at least the end of 2028 after the young midfielder signed a four-year contract extension.
Originally drafted with pick No.25 in 2018, the 23-year-old powerhouse has emerged as a fearless ball-winner known for his tackling prowess.
Meanwhile, veteran defender Dane Rampe will have a month-long stint on the sidelines with a low-grade hamstring strain but Harry Cunningham is a possibility to come back into the side.
Cunningham was concussed in a round-two incident that led to Essendon’s Peter Wright copping a four-game suspension.
“Dane going out for a few weeks is disappointing, but if Harry comes in there that’d be a plus,” Longmire said.
“(Harry’s) been terrific, like he’s felt really good … he’s been doing all that’s required up to this point.
“He’s got to go through the steps again today and tomorrow so we’ll see how that progresses, but he’s been doing all that’s required up to this point.”
Forward Sam Wicks will also be available for selection after being omitted last round.
Asked about the alleged falling out between Wicks and the playing group over personal issues ahead of the Tigers clash, Longmire played a straight bat.
“He’s back amongst all the playing group,” Longmire said.
“I’m not going to go into the details other than the fact that we decided last week to pick the team that we thought was best to go to Melbourne
“Sam will be available for selection and we’ll work through what that looks like.”
