John Longmire talks to media at Lakeside Oval on Tuesday, July 21. Picture: Getty Images

JOHN Longmire has again called on the AFL to expand the interchange bench during the compressed fixture over the coming months.

The Sydney coach said he hoped the AFL would consider adding another "couple" to the bench to deal with match load and mounting injuries.

"We've got 10 senior players that may not be available [this week] and, if we had a four-day break, you'd probably add another four to that," Longmire told reporters on Tuesday.

Injured Sydney superstar Lance Franklin training in July. Picture: Getty Images

Longmire added that the limited preparation would mean "you're putting a lot of pressure on those players to be able to back up the following game, if you don't have any extra on the interchange".

"While we all agree with the theory of the compressed fixture, certainly another couple on the bench would help with the workload that the players are going to confront during that period."

The Swans have suffered from an injury crisis in recent weeks, but are starting to see some of their more experienced players recover.

Sam Reid is one who looks ready to return to the side, following long-term issues with his knee and calf.

Key forward Sam Reid is close to returning. Picture: Getty Images

Reid will help strengthen a forward line that looked better on Saturday against the Suns with fellow talls Tom McCartin and Aliir Aliir back in the team.

"If he trains this week and feels good about himself, then he'll be playing," Longmire said of Reid.

"His smarts are important, his experience is important. To be able to just add that calm voice and understand what is going on, that's significant when you've got a number of younger players in the team."

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The Swans fielded an inexperienced line-up against the Suns last week, with nine players aged 21 or younger.

While Sydney are looking to rejuvenate their side and blood more youth this year, Longmire would like to "surround them with a bit more experience".

00:32

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Will Hayward snaps an outrageous goal and is then hurdled by Tom Papley

"I guess there is a tipping point in how many of them play. You need to be able to help them.

"You need to be able to stand up, whether you're 18 or 32, but it just helps if there are a few more mature bodies around."

The Swans play Hawthorn at the SCG on Saturday, in a important game for both teams who both find themselves in unfamiliar territory sitting outside the top eight.

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