STAR forward Kurt Tippett will return for the Swans in Saturday night’s blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG.

The Swans have made just one change for the top-of-the-table clash, with Brandon Jack making way for Tippett.

That means gun midfielder Dan Hannebery won’t play, failing to come up from an ankle injury, while running defender Rhyce Shaw also failed in his bid to return from a similar injury.

Tippett hasn’t played since Round 15, when he injured his knee against GWS at the SCG.

In fact, the gun Swan has played just five games this year after battling a knee injury during the pre-season - his first game for the year against the Hawks in Round 8.

In those five games though, he formed a formidable partnership with Lance Franklin, booting 14 goals in those outings including a haul of four against the Hawks.

Between them, the pair kicked 37 goals in those outings.

It’s a big inclusion for the Swans, given Tippett booted a game-high four goals against the Hawks at ANZ Stadium and that it takes the pressure off Franklin in his second game against his old club.

The Swans look set to stretch the Hawks defence, with Josh Gibson and Ryan Schoenmakers likely to take one of Tippett and Franklin with Ben Stratton potentially forced onto Sam Reid in the absence of the injured Matt Spangher (ankle) and suspended Brian Lake.

Hannebery was best on ground for the Swans against the Hawks in Round 8, picking up a game-high 40 disposals in a brilliant performance.

But, with great depth in their midfield stocks, the Swans will be able to cover for and have done so since Round 13.

With Kieren Jack and Josh Kennedy in the midfield plus the addition of Luke Parker, the Swans still possess a dangerous and dynamic midfield mix that the Hawks and the likes of Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge will need to contend with.

Round 18
Hawthorn v Sydney Swans
Saturday 26 July
MCG, 7.40pm

HAWTHORN
B: Angus Litherland, Josh Gibson, Ryan Schoenmakers
HB: Luke Hodge, Ben Stratton, Grant Birchall
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Matthew Suckling
HF: Bradley Hill, Jack Gunston, Luke Breust
F: Paul Puopolo, Jarryd Roughead, Jordan Lewis
Fol: Ben McEvoy, Shaun Burgoyne, Liam Shiels
I/C: Jonathan Simpkin, Jonathon Ceglar, Alex Woodward, Will Langford
Emg: Taylor Duryea, Ben Ross, David Hale

IN: Gibson, Hill, Woodward
OUT: Spangher (ankle), Duryea, Ross

SYDNEY
B: Jeremy Laidler, Ted Richards, Nick Smith
HB: Nick Malceski, Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe
C: Lewis Jetta, Josh Kennedy, Gary Rohan
HF: Ben McGlynn, Lance Franklin, Adam Goodes
F: Sam Reid, Kurt Tippett, Luke Parker
Fol: Mike Pyke, Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh
I/C: Craig Bird, Harry Cunningham, Jake Lloyd, Dean Towers
Emg: Brandon Jack, Tim Membrey, Toby Nankervis

In: Kurt Tippett
Out: Brandon Jack (omitted)