Sydney Swans co-captain Josh Kennedy will return to the side to face Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, to mark the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

Kennedy has recovered from a strain to his medial ligament and will line up for his first game since Round 6.

Coach John Longmire said it’s great to have the skipper back.

“Obviously we have a fairly young team and losing Dane means it’s good to get some experience back into the team,” Longmire said.

“Josh has obviously been a great player for us; he is a great leader.

“He has been training really well over the past few weeks, so he is ready to go and we are looking forward to getting him back.”

Kennedy replaces fellow co-captain Dane Rampe who has returned to Sydney after being ruled out for the remainder of the season with a broken hand.