Coach John Longmire says the Western Bulldogs smaller forward line will come into consideration at the selection table this week.

Veteran Ted Richards and fellow tall defender Jeremy Laidler loom as likely inclusions ahead of this week’s crucial clash with the Western Bulldogs, with the pair’s experience crucial to the Swans’ backline set-up.

Richards missed three games with concussion but returned through the NEAFL before last week’s bye, while Laidler was a late withdrawal from the Swans’ round 13 win over Melbourne with a knee injury.

Laidler was on light duties away from the main group on Tuesday, while Richards trained strongly, and Longmire said the fitness of the duo, plus the make-up of the Bulldogs’ forward line will come into consideration when he picks his 22.

The Dogs have used Jack Redpath as their main tall target inside 50, alongside ruckman Tom Campbell or Jordan Roughead, with the likes of Jake Stringer, Tory Dickson and Caleb Daniel providing the variety at ground level.

Longmire said the Dogs' forwards were an “exciting” group, but he was more interested in their midfield, which has the best contested footy differential in the competition.

“Their numbers are absolutely through the roof, they’re almost double everyone else’s to this point in the season,” he said.

“They’ve obviously added ‘Libba’ (Tom Liberatore) to the mix (this season) and he’s a really strong contested ball player.

“You need to be really switched on and react really quickly to get across the ground and make sure you’re not outnumbered at the contest.

“They’re one of the most exciting teams in the competition, they’re hard to score against and I’m sure we’ll be in for a real battle.”

Star ruckman Kurt Tippett made a brief appearance at the SCG with a full-length pressure bandage covering his right leg.
Tippett had surgery on his injured hamstring tendon in Melbourne last week, but has already started stationary gym work as part of his rehabilitation.

The Swans are confident the 29-year-old will be fit to return to the field before this year’s finals.