EXCITING Sydney Swans recruit Isaac Heeney will get the chance to audition for a round one berth when an under-strength Swans outfit takes on the Brisbane Lions in Friday night's NAB Challenge clash in Coffs Harbour.
Heeney, who had been managed this summer for knee tendinitis, will be joined in the Swans' line-up by exciting on-baller Tom Mitchell, who is poised to step into a senior role in 2015.
Four players recruited from the Swans' academy have been named in the squad: Jack Hiscox, Abe Davis, Brandon Jack and Heeney.
Dan Robinson, a New South Wales scholarship selection in 2013, has also been named.
The Swans will be without star forward duo Lance Franklin, whose troublesome right knee is being managed, and Kurt Tippett, who suffered a lower leg setback in Friday's intra-club match.
Adam Goodes has also been rested after a standout performance in the intra-club, with defender Ted Richards (hamstring), Jarrad McVeigh (calf) and Jake Lloyd (elbow) others missing.
While weakened by injuries, the Swans have played close to their strongest available side, selecting 15 players from last year's Grand Final team.
The Lions have named a stronger squad, with star midfield recruit Dayne Beams backing up for his second outing in Lions colours.
Former Geelong midfielder Allen Christensen, however, will not make his first appearance with the club.
Defenders Pearce Hanley (hip) and Matt Maguire are other senior Lions missing.
SYDNEY SWANS v BRISBANE LIONS
Coffs Harbour International Stadium, Friday, March 6, 7.10pm AEDT
SYDNEY SWANS
2. Rhyce Shaw, 4. Daniel Hannebery, 5. Isaac Heeney, 6. Tom Mitchell, 7. Harry Cunningham, 9. Abaina Davis, 11. Jeremy Laidler, 12. Josh Kennedy, 13. Toby Nankervis, 14. Craig Bird, 15. Kieren Jack, 16. Gary Rohan, 17. Jack Hiscox, 20. Sam Reid, 21. Ben McGlynn, 22. Dean Towers, 24. Dane Rampe, 26. Luke Parker, 27. Daniel Robinson, 29. George Hewett, 31. Harrison Marsh, 32. Lewis Jetta, 33. Brandon Jack, 35. Sam Naismith, 38. Mike Pyke, 39. Heath Grundy, 40. Nick Smith, 42. Xavier Richards, 43. Lewis Melican
BRISBANE LIONS
1. Luke McGuane, 4. James Aish, 5. Mitch Robinson, 6. Josh Green, 7. Jed Adcock, 8. Rohan Bewick, 9. Dayne Beams, 10. Daniel Rich, 12. Stefan Martin, 14. Brent Staker, 15. Dayne Zorko, 17. Claye Beams, 18. Nicholas Robertson, 21. Daniel Merrett, 22. Marco Paparone, 23. Matthew Leuenberger, 24. Liam Dawson, 25. Daniel McStay, 26. Tom Cutler, 27. Darcy Gardiner, 28. Lewis Taylor, 29. Jaden McGrath, 30. Jack Redden, 32. Sam Mayes, 33. Michael Close, 35. Ryan Lester, 38. Thomas Rockliff, 42. Justin Clarke, 47. Zac O'Brien
Lance Franklin puts pressure on Jarrad McVeigh at training. Picture: Getty Images
