The Sydney Swans have made three changes to their side to face Gold Coast at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.

Tom McCartin, Ben Ronke and James Rowbottom come into the side replacing Lance Franklin (hamstring), Dan Menzel and Ryan Clarke.

Coach John Longmire said he was excited to be able to welcome McCartin back into the side.

“Tom has played that role for us a number of times and competes really hard for us in the front half,” Longmire said.

“While it is disappointing to lose Lance out of the team we get a really good quality and competitive young forward back into the team.

“We have a lot of faith in what Tom can do.”

Ronke will play his first game of the season since Round 6 after strong form at NEAFL level in recent weeks.

“He builds his game on pressure and gets after them at ground level,”

“We know he can kick a goal so if he can help Tom Papley out in that area as well in the front half.”

“We hope he can hit the scoreboard and have some goal assists to help the forward line out.”

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