SYDNEY Swans coach John Longmire has some scrambling to do this week, with his side set to tackle Port Adelaide on Thursday night without its two key forwards in Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett.
Franklin was reported in Friday night's loss to Richmond for rough conduct on Tiger Shane Edwards, while Tippett also had his number taken for striking Dylan Grimes. Both were suspended for one week.
In their pair's absence, Longmire's forward set-up will look drastically different, but his defence will also be affected.
It will cause plenty of headaches for the coaching staff as they gather around the selection table this week.
Buddy has been reported for this bump on Edwards #AFLSwansTigers http://t.co/KdA6ZZYDYc
— AFL (@AFL) June 26, 2015
Forward-turned-defender Sam Reid is almost certain to be sent inside 50 to try and cover the loss of Franklin.
The 23-year-old has been solid while still developing as a backman this season.
Reid's role as a third man up at stoppages has been particularly important for the Swans, but he'll need to be a moving target for the home side, along with Adam Goodes, against the Power.
Utility Dean Towers is another candidate to come into the side, with his height and versatility crucial for Longmire, with Reid shuffled out of the back six.
Mike Pyke's knee injury has come at shocking time for the Swans, but if he can get up for Thursday night, back-up big Tom Derickx could be another tall forward option.
The West Australian has only played one game this season, when he came in for Pyke last week against Richmond, but doesn't have the mobility to pose any real threats to the Power defence.
Youngster Toby Nankervis had 48 hit-outs in the NEAFL last week, but looks some time away from an AFL debut.
Tippett has been reported for this late hit on Grimes #AFLSwansTigers http://t.co/onLadKuAm9
— AFL (@AFL) June 26, 2015
Rookie list player Sam Naismith has been in good form in the reserves this season as a goalkicking ruckman, but he's on the inured list so can't be considered.
If Longmire decides to go small against the Power, Brandon Jack is in brilliant form in the twos, and can run through the midfield if needed.
Rising star Isaac Heeney was a late withdrawal from the NEAFL last week and has missed the past six games with a knee injury, so is unlikely to be risked, while in-form midfielders Craig Bird and Dan Robinson were both injured in Friday night's curtain raiser, so they're also out of the mix.