Swans mull Naismith call-up for AFL final

Sydney coach John Longmire says fit-again ruckman Sam Naismith has pulled up well following his NEAFL comeback.

Sam Naismith

Sam Naismith is a chance of a Swans recall this weekend after recovering from a hip injury. (AAP)

Sam Naismith's successful return from injury has given John Longmire plenty to think about ahead of Sydney's AFL elimination final against Essendon.

Naismith hasn't played at AFL level since hurting his hip on July 28 during the Swans' loss to Hawthorn.

Sydney coach Longmire says the ruckman has pulled up well after his NEAFL comeback on Saturday.

It leaves the 2012 premiership coach with some big decisions to make ahead of Saturday's knock-out match against the Bombers at the SCG.

Does he recall Naismith? And if so, at the expense of Kurt Tippett or Callum Sinclair?

"We'll sit down as the week progresses, work out who's fit and available and what team we think is the best," Longmire said.

"We won't have that discussion until after our last training session.

"He (Naismith) did quite well. He played 80 minutes, ran the game out really strongly and his ruck work was really solid.

"He's a chance."

Longmire added he wasn't concerned about Naismith's lack of recent minutes at AFL level.

"He's trained for a few weeks, been doing a fair bit of running and doing competitive training," he said.

"To get through that game and pull up really well is a good sign."

There is every chance the 2012 premiership coach will make three changes to the side that crushed Carlton in the final round of the season.

Dan Hannebery and Tom Papley are both automatic selections, having recovered from minor hip and knee injuries respectively.

"They both ran on the weekend, they'll do some training again tomorrow. They pulled up well from the weekend's blow out," Longmire said.

"Hopefully they will be fine."

The Swans' 0-6 start to the seasons means their finals hopes have been in the balance for several months now.

Captain Josh Kennedy hoped walking that precarious path to September would come in handy during this month's pressure-cooker atmosphere.

"That element of keeping us on edge will hopefully keep us in good stead," Kennedy said.

"Every game has been pretty do or die and this weekend is no different.

"If we're a little bit off we'll get rolled by anyone, but on the flip side if we play our best footy we can beat anyone."


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Source: AAP



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