SYDNEY has sprung a major selection surprise by naming small forward Tom Papley for his first game of the season against West Coast at Domain Stadium on Thursday night.
Papley had knee surgery in December to relieve the symptoms of compartment syndrome and was placed on the long-term injury list in February.
The pressure forward was only reinstated to the primary list on Wednesday after having not played any NEAFL games.
Papley booted 29 goals from 20 games as a rookie in 2016.
The Swans will go into the clash against West Coast with only former Eagle Callum Sinclair in the ruck, with big man Sam Naismith to miss with a knee injury. The big Swan hurt his knee at training this week and couldn't be considered while young ruckman Darcy Cameron was ruled out after injuring his shoulder in the NEAFL last week.
There had been speculation the Swans would name Kurt Tippett for the game and make a call on his availability at the last minute, but he has not recovered in time from an ankle injury suffered against the Western Bulldogs in round two.
Defender Harry Cunningham has been recalled, with Jordan Dawson omitted from a Swans side that is yet to win a game this season.
Rookie-listed Lewis Melican, upgraded to the senior list on Wednesday afternoon, has been named as an emergency for the Swans.
Dawson and Brandon Jack are the other listed emergencies.
The Eagles have dropped running wingman Lewis Jetta for the match-up against his old side after he collected just 14 disposals against Richmond last Saturday.
Midfielder Mark Hutchings has also been axed after gathering 16 touches against the Tigers.
Third-year Eagle Liam Duggan will play his first game of the year after being limited by a pre-season hamstring injury.
Duggan has averaged 23 disposals at WAFL level for East Perth this season.
Veteran defender Sam Butler will also play his first game of the year for the Eagles.
Dom Sheed has been named as an emergency despite racking up 37 disposals for East Perth at the weekend.
Will Schofield and Kurt Mutimer are the other Eagles emergencies, with veteran backman Eric Mackenzie again missing out.
Thursday April 13
West Coast v Sydney, Domain Stadium, 6.10pm AWST
WEST COAST
In: Sam Butler, Liam Duggan
Out: Mark Hutchings (omitted), Lewis Jetta (omitted)
SYDNEY
In: Harry Cunningham, Tom Papley
Out: Sam Naismith (knee), Jordan Dawson (omitted)
