Sydney Swans' coach John Longmire is hoping his young star Isaac Heeney can finally shrug off a lingering ankle injury.
Earmarked for more midfield action this AFL season, the 22-year-old was forced to spend part of last Friday's loss to Adelaide in the forward line because of the injury he originally sustained in the Swans' last pre-season game.
"They can be a bit tougher to get over, particularly early in the year," Longmire said.
"But if he gets through the next couple of weeks, it should be OK."
"At the start of the week he won't be doing a lot, but at the back end of the week we certainly hope he trains and he's available to put his hand up and play."
Longmire said he wasn't sure if veteran defender Heath Grundy would be available for Sunday's clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium after missing the Adelaide game with a back issue.
"We'll wait until the end of the week to see how he pulls up on Thursday,' " Longmire said.
He doubted whether he would need to look at resting star spearhead Lance Franklin any time soon.
"If he's pulling up well, he'll continue to play," Longmire said.
Veteran Kieren Jack and young forward Tom McCartin were among a number of impressive performers in a NEAFL practice match last week. McCartin seems to be pushing for a senior spot against Carlton.
Longmire had no issue with potentially playing tall forwards Franklin, McCartin and Sam Reid together, saying they were all mobile and that Nick Blakey could be moved to the wing.
Carlton, like Sydney, have started 0-2, but Longmire said they were definitely an improved side on last year.
The Swans' coach wants his side to strike the right balance at stoppages, where they incurred the ire of the umpires against Adelaide.
Sydney were caned 27-15 in the free-kick count, with Longmire identifying the stoppages as an area in which his side were frequently pinged.
'We've got to make sure we keep our intensity up there, but don't give away the free kicks," Longmire said.
