CAN AFL South Coast product James Bell help spark the Swans back into finals contention?
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It's a big challenge for the hard-running 21-year-old who played two AFL games last year, but Bell has earned his chance in Saturday's desperate scrap with Hawthorn at the SCG.
The Shellharbour junior was named on the wing as part of a reshuffle following the loss of George Hewett and Will Hayward to back injuries.
"He's had a taste of senior footy, he comes back in and gets the opportunity to perform, whether that's through the midfield or forward," Swans coach John Longmire said after the team announcement.
"We're looking forward to what he can produce."
After a run of injuries in the past couple of years, highly-rated defender Matthew Ling will makes his debut, as well as experienced forward Sam Reid.
"It's been a frustrating start to the year for many reasons," Reid said.
"It's always frustrating watching, particularly with the youth we've got at the moment ... it's hard to replace experience.
"Having a few more experienced heads out there can be helpful.
"Hopefully this weekend I can bring a bit of leadership and direction among that young forward group."
Reid has been mentoring Tom McCartin, who himself only returned in last week's loss to Gold Coast after a month on the sidelines because of concussion.
Reid noted he hadn't had a proper chance to take any young key forwards under his wing in 2020.
"Because we haven't really had any keys out there," he said.
"It's an exciting bunch. Tommy Papley has been doing a great job, he's the most experienced out there and playing like a man possessed.
"He's taken a lot on his shoulders.
"I'm looking forward to getting out there and giving him a hand."
The 2012 premiership player is confident, having tuned up in scratch matches, that his body is ready for the rigours of AFL.
