Combative midfielder David Swallow is a confirmed inclusion for Gold Coast’s round two clash against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking to SUNS TV on Thursday morning, coach Rodney Eade said Swallow would come into the 22 for Pearce Hanley, who is in Ireland for family reasons.

When Saturday rolls around, 630 days would have elapsed since the West Australian’s last AFL game, which came against the Western Bulldogs in round 15 of 2015. Swallow was a late withdrawal from the SUNS’ round one clash against Brisbane with a rolled ankle but has proved his fitness during the week.

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“David is playing,” Eade said.

“David is selected, he’ll replace Pearce. Pearce is away for family matters but David’s first game. Unfortunately it’s been delayed by a week, we certainly would have loved to have had him last week but he’ll play.

“So they’ll be pleased to see him back.”