SYDNEY Swans premiership defender Ted Richards looks to have overcome a bout of concussion, and is expected to return in Saturday night's massive clash with Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium.
Swans coach John Longmire said the 32-year-old has completed both of the team's training sessions this week, and should be cleared to play by medical staff after the team's final hit out on Thursday.
Richards was knocked out after a sling tackle by Port Adelaide forward Jay Schulz in the Swans' 10-point win at the SCG in round 14, but Longmire says he was surprised Richards missed last week.
"We expected him to play with the 10-day break from the knock going into the Brisbane (Lions) game, but when our doctor had a chat to him he said he just didn't quite feel right," Longmire said on Wednesday.
"As soon as a player says that after the knock that he got, it's not a debate, it's a pretty easy decision he just doesn't play.
"He's pretty important for us, it allows us to do other things, I mean we played Sam Reid back last week, but it allows us a bit more flexibility in the team when Teddy comes in."
The usually reserved Longmire was in a relaxed mood ahead of arguably his side's biggest test of the season against the in-form Hawks.
"I've noticed that 'Buddy' (Lance Franklin) has been speaking to 'Roughy' (Jarryd Roughead) a bit this week, so hopefully Roughy lets him know if he's playing or not," Longmire laughed.
The 2012 premiership coach even gave his old club a plug when asked the credentials of this current day Hawthorn outfit.
"This is a team that's comparable to Brisbane of the early 2000's, maybe even North Melbourne of the 90's," Longmire said with a smirk.
"This is a powerhouse team, and what they did last week showed what they're capable of doing.
"When we've beaten them we've had to be at our very best and that's our challenge again this week, because going OK against this lot doesn't cut it."
Youngster Isaac Heeney is a chance to return to the seniors for his first game since round six, after playing the past two games in the NEAFL.
The Swans' academy graduate went down against Melbourne with a knee injury, but after playing a half in the reserves a fortnight ago, Heeney had 29 possessions in his first full game last week.
The Swans have missed the 19-year-old's forward pressure, but Longmire says the coaching staff have plenty to think about when it comes to selecting the round three rising star nominee.
"Our decision has got to be, does he need another week in our reserves at that sort of level, versus knowing the competitive beast that he is and that he'd be good in the senior team," Longmire said.
"He's still only young and match conditioning is still something of a consideration for him.
"We'd like him in our team but we need to be making sound decisions too, it's about this week, but it's about next week and the week after as well with young kids."
Veteran Ben McGlynn will play limited game time in the reserves, after managing just six games in 2015 due to hamstring and calf complaints.
Longmire says the midfielder has worked hard to get back, but has also had plenty of other things on his plate in the past few weeks.
"He actually had the birth of his first child last week, so he missed a couple of training sessions, which is fair enough, but he's got the baby home now and he's thrilled," Longmire said.
