The Sydney Swans have welcomed back two experienced stars for Saturday’s Qualifying Final against Fremantle.
Jarrad McVeigh and Ben McGlynn have been recalled, adding a wealth of experience and leadership in the absence of forced omissions Kieren Jack (knee) and Lance Franklin (illness).
McVeigh was a late withdrawal from the Round 23 clash against Gold Coast with calf soreness but completed both training sessions this week to be deemed fully fit for Saturday’s encounter at Domain Stadium.
McGlynn, seven matches this season, has had an injury-interrupted preparation but managed two solid hit outs at NEAFL level including a standout performance in last weekend’s elimination final loss to Aspley to be selected for his first AFL game in six weeks.
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Swans coach John Longmire, speaking for Centrum Team Selection, couldn’t put a price on the duo’s leadership and experience given McVeigh and McGlynn have played a combined 29 finals matches.
“McVeigh has a lot of finals experience,” Longmire said.
“He’s versatile in the positions he can play and gives us great leadership. He’s an important player and an important driver of this football club. McGlynn is the same, he’s also quick and he’s hard at the ball.
“While we’re disappointed to have Jack and Franklin out we know we have two good players coming back in who we know will contribute for us.”
Longmire was also looking for the younger members of the group to stand up in what is expected to be a high pressure game of football.
In four big names (Jack, Franklin, Luke Parker and Nick Smith) not playing, Longmire urged the likes of Dean Towers, Zak Jones and Brandon Jack to take their opportunity.
“Not only them but games like this presents an opportunity for Harry Cunningham and alike to show their experience and leadership in games like this,” he added.
The Swans travel to Domain Stadium with a poor recent record against Fremantle, winning just two of nine clashes in Subiaco including the last in Round 4 which ended in a 14-point defeat.
But a solid finals record – six wins from nine finals since 2012 – exceeds Fremantle’s two from its last six appearances.
