While fellow key forwards Adam Goodes and Daniel Bradshaw enjoyed productive games in the Swans’ early winning streak, White struggled to reproduce the form that earned him a NAB Rising Star nomination last year and he was dropped in round nine.
Bradshaw’s absence with a knee injury allows White to return against the Hawks and Roos said he would be played out of the goal square on Sunday.
“In some ways, Jesse probably played his best footy last year as that key full-forward so this gives him a chance to do that working with Goodesy and working with Henry [Playfair],” Roos said before training at the SCG on Friday.
“Having three talls worked for us early on but it probably didn’t help Jesse as much as last year playing at full-forward.
“We saw what Braddy could do and Jesse played a pretty good supporting role. Now it’s a chance for him to step up.”
With the injury-riddled Swans on a three-game losing streak, Roos said the side could take heart from the Hawks’ breakthrough win against Carlton in round nine.
“If you look at Brisbane … four or five weeks ago, [they] were 4-0 and they get hit by a lot of injuries and it doesn’t take long [to fall],” he said.
“Hawthorn are looking to do it the other way. You get one really good win and get some players back and it makes a difference. They’re getting all their players back while we’re losing ours.
“Obviously pre-season, they were picked to be pretty significant contenders for this year and I still think they’re a chance if they can get on a roll, which they can with the level of talent they’ve got.”
The Swans also welcome back ruckman Shane Mumford from suspension and Roos said he was delighted to add some experience alongside rookie Mike Pyke.
Also coming into the team is speedy midfielder Matt O’Dwyer, who forced his way into the side with a personal-best 54 possessions against Belconnen in the reserves last week.
O’Dwyer enjoyed one of his best senior games at the MCG against Richmond in 2009 and he was looking forward to returning to the stadium’s wide open spaces.
“It’s a really big ground and it suits my style of footy - running into space and getting out on to the big grounds,” he said.
“[The coaches] really like my run and carry … hopefully I can use it this weekend and just play my role for the team.”
After a promising pre-season, O’Dwyer looked set for an early senior game but he said he was forced to overcome some setbacks with form and fitness.
“I played a few good games at the start of the season but the team was playing so well that it was hard to get back in,” he said.
“I played a bad game in round three, I think it was, and that set me back a little bit. I’ve been consistent ever since and I’m lucky enough now to be playing.”
