Swans lose Hickey for key clash against Tigers
The Swans will be without ruckman Tom Hickey for Friday night’s top-eight clash against Richmond at the SCG as the Sydney side attempt to right their season following three losses in the last four games.
While the Swans have been drifting down the ladder the Tigers, premiers in 2017, 2019 and 2020, have won their last four matches to sit in the top eight after a slow start.
Sitting in seventh and eighth places, the two teams could not be more evenly matched. Both have six wins from 10 games and a percentage of 120.4.
The winner will stay in sight of the top four and a potential finals double chance, while the loser will be under pressure to maintain their position in the top half of the ladder.
The loss of Hickey comes amid four changes. Josh Kennedy is missing with a long-term hamstring injury, while James Bell and Colin O’Riordan have been dropped.
Sam Reid returns as cover for Hickey and James Rowbottom is back after a one-match suspension to strengthen the midfield hurt by Kennedy’s absence.
James Rowbottom returns for the Swans following suspension.Credit:Getty Images
Braeden Campbell has been recalled and 18-year-old South Australian Matty Roberts will make his debut. Roberts was selected with pick 34 in last year’s draft.
An accurate left footer with a strong work ethic and competitive nature, coach John Longmire described Roberts as a smart player.
“He’s got a good mix of being able to play inside and outside,” Longmire told the Herald and The Age. “He’s pretty hard and clean with his ball use and sees the shape of the game well. He’s a respectful kid who learns well and knows what he’s doing on a football ground.”
Hickey, 31, was a standout for the Swans last season during his first year with his fourth AFL club but has been hindered by injuries.
He started the season well, playing the first three games before missing more than a month with a knee injury, and was finding his feet again in his two games back. As a key forward and pinch hitter in the ruck, veteran Reid returns for his fourth game of the year.
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