Sydney confident Isaac Heeney, Ollie Florent will be fit for Round 1

Isaac Heeney and Ollie Florent will hand Sydney Swans coach John Longmire a Round 1 boost, with the duo set to overcome sprains ahead of the season-opener against Western Bulldogs.

Isaac Heeney and Ollie Florent will hand Sydney Swans coach John Longmire a Round 1 boost, with the duo set to overcome sprains ahead of the season-opener against Western Bulldogs.

After being injured in the early stages of Sunday’s pre-season triumph over the Gold Coast Suns, 22-year-old Heeney was rested for most of the clash but the influential star will be good to go for the Marvel Stadium encounter on Saturday week.

So too should the speedy Florent, who missed the Suns game with a foot sprain but is expected to resume training this week.

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The Swans have a couple of days to recharge batteries after the weekend’s win in tough conditions but, when they return, the coaching staff will have the overwhelming majority of the squad to work with.

Head of football Charlie Gardiner said Heeney’s injury would not prevent him from the training track.

“It’s not a major sprain so we expect him to train fully this week and be available for round one,” he said.

“Ollie Florent’s definitely a chance for Round 1. He missed last weekend’s game with a foot sprain.

“He’s progressing well and is expected to train fully this week and I’m sure he’ll be putting his hand up for selection.”

Isaac Heeney should be right for Round 1. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The experienced Kieren Jack is also edging back into contention as he puts in the hard yards. The 31-year-old has been on a modified training program due to a knee problem but is now back in the mix.

“Kieren has been gradually increasing his training and is joining in full skill sessions now,” Gardiner said.

“He’ll train well this weekend. The players have some time off but Kieren will be putting in some time on the track and he’ll also be one putting his hand up for selection for round one.”

Jake Lloyd missed out against the Suns due to illness but he, too, is expected to train fully this week.

However, the new season is expected to arrive a little too soon for defender Nick Smith. The 30-year-old has been battling a hamstring injury he picked up in Round 21 last season.

Oliver Florent is expected to train this week. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“His training had been progressing,” Gardiner said.

“He’s had a setback recently with a bout of illness but we expect him to get back into full training over the next few weeks and, given that he has missed part of the pre-season, we don’t expect he’ll be ready to go until at least the first part of the season.”

The Swans added South Adelaide forward Hayden McLean as a rookie for the season.

The 20-year-old replaces injured defender Jack Maibaum.

“Hayden has been a member of the AFL Academy and did his AFL club placement with the Swans. He was impressive in that time,” said Swans general manager of recruiting and list strategy Kinnear Beatson.

The Swans’ NEAFL side will enjoy a pre-season hit-out against Sydney University at Henson Park, Marrickville, on Saturday from 11am.