Out with a Richards, in with a Richards.

Ted Richards’ one match suspension has opened the door for younger brother Xavier to be selected in the 25-man squad which will travel to Perth ahead of Sunday’s clash with West Coast.

Xavier, 22, has played one AFL match since arriving at the Swans via Pick 29 in the 2013 Rookie Draft, but has strung together a level of consistency which has caught the eyes of senior selectors.

Richards is one of six inclusions for the Round 17 encounter with the Eagles at Domain Stadium with Mike Pyke, Jeremy Laidler, Isaac Heeney, Dan Robinson and Dean Towers also in the extended squad.

The inclusions replace Richards and injured duo Kurt Tippett (broken hand) and Craig Bird (calf), all casualties from last weekend’s loss to Hawthorn.

Speaking to SwansTV for Centrum Team Selection, Swans coach John Longmire says Richards is a strong chance to play his second career game dependent on what role the coaches have for swingman Sam Reid.

“Xavier is a chance to play, we’ll make a decision later in the week as to what we do with Sam Reid whether we’ll put him back or not,” Longmire said.

“Sam has been played in defence a fair bit for us and is fairly experienced in that part of the ground so we’ll make the decision later in the week.”

Richards hasn’t played AFL football since Round 14, 2013, but is more than capable of filling the void left by his older sibling.

In other positive news, Heeney is expected to be chosen in the final 22 and cap off his comeback from injury.

Heeney has played two full matches in the NEAFL and starred to average more than 28 disposals.

“He’s got back to some good form in the past couple of weeks,” Longmire added.

“Part of it was about getting back to some form and fitness but also a level of confidence which sometimes players need to compete at the highest level.

“We feel as though he’s on the way back now and we look forward to adding that real competitive spirit he’s able to add in our front half and through our midfield.”

The final team is to be named 5pm Friday.

Click here to see the full squad.

