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AAP
Roger Vaughan and Joanna Guelas

Swans welcome back Papley, Grundy for AFL season opener

Tom Papley has been cleared to play in Sydney's AFL season opener against Hawthorn. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

Sydney have received a huge boost for the AFL season opener against Hawthorn, with Tom Papley and Brodie Grundy proving their fitness.

But Hawks defender Changkuoth Jiath remains sidelined with a hip injury for Friday night's match at the SCG.

Papley overcame a sprained ankle and Grundy a sore knee to be named in Dean Cox's squad.

It is a massive relief for the Swans, already without star winger Errol Gulden (ankle), captain Callum Mills (foot), forwards Logan McDonald (ankle) and Hayden McLean (groin), and defensive duo Robbie Fox (calf) and Harry Cunningham (foot).

Taylor Adams has been recalled after missing out on last season's finals, joined by midfielder Angus Sheldrick following an impressive pre-season outing.

Brodie Grundy.
Brodie Grundy is also fit to play for Sydney after overcoming a knee ailment. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Sydney will also feature new faces, with one rookie-listed forward from Gippsland named Tom joining another when Tom Hanily makes his AFL debut.

Papley and Hanily played for Gippsland Power, where Hanily wore the No.11 guernsey - which his new teammate wears at the Swans.

Hanily, 19, was recruited in last year's mid-season rookie draft with pick No.14.

Former St Kilda defender Ben Paton has also been confirmed for his Swans debut.

"The feeling is just as good as draft night. To have the opportunity to run out at the SCG in front of the Bloods faithful with this bunch of boys is something I'm really looking forward to," Hanily said.

"In the pre-season I did my quad, so I thought this moment was a bit further away. To be here now is terrific."

Hawthorn opted against risking Jiath after the talented defender picked up a hip complaint in the pre-season.

He joins Luke Breust on the sidelines, while Sam Frost is set to make his return to AFL action after a stress fracture ruled him out of last year's finals series.

The 31-year-old defender suffered the foot injury after playing in the Hawks' elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs.

Hawthorn will at least unveil big-name recruits Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.

Jack Gunston is an emergency, while fellow triple premiership player Breust has been left out entirely after playing as a substitute last year.

Changkuoth Jiath.
Livewire Changkuoth Jiath will miss for the Hawks due to a hip injury. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood have named their extended squad for Sunday's match at Engie Stadium, with the Giants including three potential debutants.

First-year players Cody Angove and Oliver Hannaford, alongside 2023 draftee James Leake, have been named on the bench.

Former GWS player Harry Perryman will line up against his former side and make his debut for Collingwood, while Brayden Maynard has overcome plantar fasciitis to make the team.

Jordan De Goey (knee) remains on the sidelines, alongside Mason Cox (finger) and Tom Mitchell (foot).

Recruit Dan Houston is still serving a five-match ban for a bump on Adelaide's Izak Rankine when playing for Port Adelaide last season.

Houston will be eligible to return in Collingwood's round one match against his former side.

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