THE SYDNEY Swans' supremely talented, multi-million dollar forward line could take to the field for the first time together in the club's clash with the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.
Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes and Sam Reid have the potential to form the AFL's most lethal forward line, but injuries have prevented even three of them, let alone all four, playing in the same side together.
But, if they can get through training this week, there is a chance all four will play in a daunting prospect for the young Lions defenders.
Despite some nagging knee issues, Franklin has played every match this year, kicking 12 goals to date, while Goodes came on as a sub against Melbourne on Saturday in his first appearance for 10 months.
Missing since round two with Achilles tendinitis, Reid is now fully fit and ready for a recall, while Tippett is yet to play in the senior side this year due to knee and rib concerns.
Tippett pulled up well from running sessions last Friday and again on Monday, however, and coach John Longmire believes all four talls can co-exist in the Swans' forward line.
"I guess Goodesy is a bit of a different kettle of fish," Longmire said.
"He's played some of his best football as a genuine midfielder, even though he's six-foot-three and a hundred kilos.
"He can actually play a small forward, or high half-forward, role.
"Sam Reid's really quick and so is Lance, they have genuine speed, so it's not just about your height.
"It's also about your speed and ability to put pressure on.
"Kurt's role wouldn't be that high half-forward, so those things we'll have to consider as the week progresses.
"We're getting towards the stage where it'd be good to see them play.
"I'm just holding my breath at the moment to see if they get there."
Franklin had to be subbed out of the victory over the Demons with knee trouble and while his knee is bruised and swollen, Longmire said scans have shown no structural damage.
The superstar has already been on a modified training program for some time and Longmire is confident Franklin will play this week.
Goodes has also recovered well from his first hit-out and could make the starting line-up at the Gabba.
"He didn't play huge game time, so he's probably the best he's pulled up from a game for quite a while," Longmire said of Goodes.
"For a 34-year-old he actually feels quite good today.
"I thought when he came on he made an impact and provided some real life, so we're certainly going to discuss him starting in the 21 this week."
While the forward line is coming together, the Swans' midfield has also returned to form in recent weeks.
Dan Hannebery and Kieren Jack are back near their best, while Ben McGlynn has been a revelation this season and Josh Kennedy has continued his consistent output.
Tom Mitchell has also benefited from a rest, named among the best for the reserves on the weekend, and is right in the mix to boost the Swans' midfield stocks further this week.
Longmire is pleased with the form of his engine room and knows the midfielders are a critical element if the Swans – who are now just percentage outside the top eight – are to have a successful season.
"Whilst over the first few weeks there was varying outputs of performance from them, it's been a bit more consistent over the last couple of weeks," Longmire said.
"If we're going to be competitive this year, we need our midfield group in particular playing consistent football.
"In the last two weeks they've been able to do that. The challenge is to keep doing it and not just relying on one or two."
