BUDDY IN FOR HAWK CLASH
SYDNEY has named Lance Franklin for tomorrow’s blockbuster clash with Hawthorn, with the Hawks to welcome back skipper Jarryd Roughead.
Roughead returns after missing the past two games with an ankle issue, but the Hawks will be without key defender James Frawley (back).
Ricky Henderson and David Mirra are the other inclusions with Marc Pittonet and Conor Glass omitted.
Franklin remains in some doubt, having been on restricted duties at Sydney’s final training session of the week.
The Swans have indicated they will give Franklin until game day to show he has overcome a groin injury.
Franklin warmed up away from the Swans’ main group at the SCG last night, though that has been a regular occurrence throughout a season in which the superstar has nursed a heel injury.
The gun forward, who has been inspirational in the Swans’ late-season resurgence, suffered the minor setback during the final quarter of his team’s derby victory.
Heath Grundy is the only inclusion for the Swans, replacing Robbie Fox (omitted). The veteran backman has been sidelined for the past month while battling mental health issues but returned at reserves level last week.
A top-four finish is on the line for the winner at the SCG.
GWS will welcome back star midfielder Josh Kelly for the other game-of-the-round contender against Melbourne on Sunday.
Zac Williams has also been named in the Giants’ extended squad and could play his first game since rupturing his achilles in January, while Ryan Griffen (hamstring) is out. The Dees look set to field an unchanged side with a home elimination final up for grabs.
Port Adelaide welcomes back midfield bull Sam Powell-Pepper among three changes for tonight’s game against Essendon, while a shoulder issue has sidelined Tom Rockliff. Matthew Leuenberger and Jayden Laverde are in for the Bombers, replacing injured big man Tom Bellchambers and Matt Dea.
Geelong’s Jed Bews returns for the clash with unchanged Gold Coast, while Carlton lost star draftee Paddy Dow for tomorrow night’s game against Adelaide. Collingwood will also line up unchanged against Fremantle, which welcomes back Stephen Hill but has lost Michael Walters to injury.
West Coast expects forward Jack Darling to pass a concussion test and line up against Brisbane on Sunday.
Defender Lewis Jetta goes out with a calf injury but Will Schofield was named.