Three changes have been made to the side to take on the Sydney Swans on Saturday.

Jack Martin (calf) and David Swallow (managed) have been withdrawn from the team and replaced by Jesse Lonergan and Kade Kolodjashnij. 

Josh Schoenfeld has been omitted while first-year player Jacob Heron comes back into the side in his place.

Senior coach Stuart Dew said he hoped it wouldn’t be a long layoff for either Martin or Swallow. 

“Jack, unfortunately, yesterday hurt his calf, it’s just too quick a turnaround for this week so hopefully he’s back next week,” Dew told SUNS TV.

“Dave’s had a really big year and his loads have been right up particularly the last couple of weeks so we felt it was in the best interest to give him a game off to give him the best chance to finish the year really strongly.”

Their absence gives Lonergan, Kolodjashnij and Heron the opportunity to stake their claim for a position in the starting 22 once again.

“Jesse, in particular, has always been doing the right things and just looking for those opportunities so we look forward to getting him back in the side and welcome him into the midfield,” Dew said.

“Kolo obviously has fought his way back too, he’s had a really solid month and we were always keen to give him an opportunity to cement his spot in the side again.

“(Heron) brings something that we need and that is real speed.

“I think he can play flexible whether it’s forward, wing or back so his attitude has always been great and it’s held him in good stead.”

Dew said he was looking for midfielder Josh Schoenfeld to put up more strong performances in the NEAFL in order to win his spot back.

“Schoey obviously fought his way back into the side which has been really pleasing,” he said.

“I think it’s been a great development exercise for him and a great learning curve.

“We expect him to go back to the NEAFL and then mount his case once again.”

Round 18 AFL Premiership Season
Sydney Swans v Gold Coast SUNS
Saturday, July 21 at 2.10pm AEST
SCG