Key pair in line for recall

The Swans could be boosted before their clash with the Saints this weekend, with the return of senior stars Kurt Tippett and Dane Rampe.

Dane Rampe played in just the first game of this season, before a bizarre injury while on a recovery run with the group around Moore Park, where he tripped and fell over a chain fence, breaking his arm.

Swans' coach John Longmire told SEN on Thursday that he was hopeful Rampe would be available for selection.

"He trained on Tuesday and he trained well," Longmire told SEN radio.

"We expect him to train today (Thursday) and we'll make a decision after that.

"He's been running for a number of weeks now, he's really fit but we'll see how he goes this morning at training."

The Swans have also missed big man Kurt Tippett, who's managed just three games this season after badly rolling his ankle against Western Bulldogs in round 2.

He last played for the Swans against Greater Western Sydney, at the time returning from his ankle injury before returning to the sidelines with a hip injury.

The Swans have taken the cautious route with the maligned, yet injury prone big man, playing him in the NEAFL last weekend. The Swans made the decision not to select him for the senior side due to limited preparation.

Tippett kicked four goals, and helped himself to 22 disposals and 6 marks in the NEAFL on Saturday, in the Swans' 121 point win.

"The reason why we played him in the reserves last week is that he missed a lot of football and a lot of training," Longmire said.

"He still didn't get through the full four quarters last week – he was a little bit tight in his hip in the last quarter so he was able to sit out the rest of the game in the reserves, which he wouldn't have been able to do at senior level.

"He was able to get some game time under his belt but he was also able to manage his hip which is the reason why he missed the previous week.

"He ran on Tuesday and we'll look to see if he trains today. If he trains today he'll be available and really back in that selection mix to play."

If he's not 100% ready, it's an easy decision to make. While Sam Naismith copped a knock on his injured knee on the weekend, he has pulled up and trained well and will remain in the side.

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Justin Mitchell

Justin is a passionate AFL and Sydney Swans supporter, and football blogger since 2016. All articles are of his own opinion. You can reach him by twitter and Facebook at @theswansblog

Melbourne, Australia https://theswansblog.com

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