Tippett back for Swans, Hawks recall Gibbo

Sydney will regain Kurt Tippett for Saturday’s AFL blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG, however Dan Hannebery and Rhyce Shaw remain sidelined.

The ladder-leading Swans have made one change as they seek to register a club-record 13th consecutive win, dropping Brandon Jack for Tippett.

Key defender Josh Gibson (pectoral) and speedster Bradley Hill (knee) are back for the Hawks as expected, while Alex Woodward will debut.

Woodward was drafted in 2011, but missed the following two seasons due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in 2012 that he re-injured in 2013.

The reigning premiers omitted Ben Ross and Taylor Duryea, with Matt Spangher to miss the game against his old club due to an ankle issue.

Hannebery and Shaw, both nursing ankle injuries, were unable to be considered by Swans coach John Longmire.

But Tippett, after missing two matches due to knee inflammation, has trained well this week and is ready to return.

“He’s done what he’s needed to do over the last week or so and has been out running and has been pulling up really well,” Longmire said on Thursday.

“He did all the training today and got through really well.

“He’s an important player for us and it’s good to get him back in the team.”

In other selection news, Adelaide axed veteran defender Ben Rutten and experienced forward Jason Porplyzia for Sunday’s all-important match against Collingwood.

The 10th-placed Crows included Luke Thompson, David Mackay, Mitch Grigg, Jarryd Lyons and Matt Crouch in their 25-man squad for the MCG fixture.

Collingwood, occupying eight place only on percentage, were forced to omit 650 games of experience in former captain Nick Maxwell (retired), Dane Swan (foot) and Luke Ball (back).

Ben Reid is set to play his first AFL game of the season after recovering from a serious calf injury.

Lachie Keeffe, Tim Broomhead, Kyle Martin, Jamie Elliott and Sam Dwyer were also added to the Magpies’ extended squad.

West Coast made four changes for Friday night’s match against Richmond in Perth, recalling Dean Cox, Josh Kennedy, Mitchell Brown and Brad Sheppard.

In-demand Eagles ruckman Scott Lycett was rested, with Jacob Brennan (ankle), Callum Sinclair and Blayne Wilson also out.

The Tigers promoted Nathan Gordon and Matt Thomas due to the enforced omissions of Daniel Jackson (glute) and Ricky Petterd (finger).

Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff will return from suspension for Saturday’s derby with Gold Coast at the Gabba.

Jack Crisp was also recalled by the Lions, who will be without Marco Paparone (omitted) and Mitch Golby (foot).

The Suns promoted Luke Russell and Clay Cameron at the expense of Kade Kolodjashnij (hamstring) and Tom Murphy (suspension).

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