AN UPBEAT John Longmire expects Kurt Tippett, Dan Hannebery, Nick Smith and possibly Lewis Jetta to slot back in the Sydney Swans' side for its rematch with Hawthorn in a qualifying final next week.
The reigning premiers lost the battle against the Hawks by 12 points on Friday night, but gave every indication they were back to their best after leading the heavy pre-match favourites for most of the game.
Well down on form in recent losses to Collingwood and Geelong, a side missing nine premiership stars and with inexperienced figures such as Brandon Jack, Harry Cunningham and first-gamer Shane Biggs in tow took it right up to Hawthorn.
It left Longmire in a confident mood heading into next week's huge showdown in Melbourne.
"'Tippo' (late withdrawal Tippett) had a tight hamstring coming out of last week's game," Longmire told reporters.
"It was the same hamstring he was subbed with a few weeks ago and … he should be OK next week.
"Dan Hannebery with that bone bruising, we're hoping he should be OK, and Nick Smith should be OK as well.
"Jetta will play tomorrow in the reserves and we'll see how he goes. He's due to play 50 or 60 minutes and he certainly trained well during the week.
"But it's important to see how he runs around in game conditions tomorrow."
Before the match, both coaches were left in the unusual position of knowing in all likelihood they were to meet again next week, meaning some tactical moves were made in selections and on the field.
Longmire expects the Hawks to be boosted by the return of Max Bailey, a late withdrawal on Friday night with general soreness, and Cyril Rioli (ankle) for next week’s final
"It's the same with Alastair (Clarkson). It's an unusual situation, you sit back and get a really good look at the opposition," Longmire said.
"Both teams I'm sure will have some changes next week.
"It's hard enough picking my own team, but I'm sure Cyril and Bailey will come back in.
"We'll get a few changes into the team as well, so that'll make it a little bit different."
The Swans' uncharacteristic performance against Geelong last week, coupled with their mounting injury toll, had bookmakers writing off their chances of again being a major threat in September.
But Longmire was content after the game, knowing his below-strength side had returned to its preferred style of football.
"We just wanted to get our pressure up and play the sort of football we like to play," he said.
"I thought we did that for a fair bit of the game.
"We tackled well, we transitioned well, we leaked a couple of goals at different times that we can tighten up ... but we got a fair bit out of the game considering we weren't that happy with our performance last week."
