Sydney Swans marquee recruit Lance Franklin is set to play his first game in his new colours next Thursday after being rested from the 40-point drubbing of Greater Western Sydney.
Swans coach John Longmire confirmed after Thursday night's win against the Giants that Franklin - who's had a limited preseason - will get some match time in their next preseason clash against the West Coast Eagles at Blacktown International Sportspark next week.
The former Hawthorn key forward's first game for the Swans is highly anticipated after the 27-year-old signed a nine-year, $10 million deal.
And if his name alone isn't enough to draw a large preseason crowd, he'll be joined by a swag of other key Swans rested from the Giants clash.
"We expect, at this stage, (Mike) Pyke, Franklin, (Lewis) Roberts-Thomson, Lewis Jetta to come back into the team and to get some game time," Longmire said.
"They got through training, trained well, so if they get through training over the weekend and next week they'll all play."
It will mean some players will have to make way and, with no injuries incurred on Thursday night, Longmire has indicated he'll likely rest some more senior players.
Longmire went into the GWS match with the intent to extend the depth of his midfield brigade by giving younger players more time in the centre square - and it paid off.
Tom Mitchell and Luke Parker both shone, while Harry Cunningham impressed with three goals as the Swans won 2.15.7 (115) to 0.11.9 (75) in front of 6,854 fans at Manuka Oval.
"There might be a couple of our senior blokes that played tonight that won't play next week, and once again we'll be exposing some of the younger kids to some pretty good roles and good opposition," Longmire said.
