Senior coach John Longmire said Seaby’s performance two weeks ago against Dockers ruckman Aaron Sandilands has given the team confidence in his ability to come into the team and play a significant role.
Tony Armstrong has also been included and will play his first match for the Swans following an injury interrupted pre-season.
“He’s been a long-time Sydney Swans supporter as a kid, so it’s great to see him play his first game for the footy club," Longmire said.
Longmire was also effusive in his praise of North Melbourne. Asked about the form of the Kangaroos in their win against Geelong, Longmire stated it was 'as good as they've played for a long time.'
"I think everyone knows Geelong have been the benchmark team for a long time now and to be in command for three-quarters of the game like [the Kangaroos] were was a real credit to them.
"They've recruited really well over the last few years, they have a lot of midfield depth, and their forwards are on fire at the moment."
Singling out both Jack Ziebell and Ryan Bastinac, Longmire claimed they were two of North's midfielders with the ability to hurt Sydney on the scoreboard.
Longmire also confirmed that Sam Reid would be the focal point of the Sydney attack in the absence of Adam Goodes to a one-match suspension.
Sydney Squad
B M.Mattner, H.Grundy, A.Johnson
HB A.Everitt, T.Richards, R.Shaw
C K.Jack, J.Bolton, L.Jetta
HF J.McVeigh, S.Reid, G.Rohan
F C.Bird, R.O'Keefe, B.McGlynn
Foll M.Seaby, J.Kennedy, D.Hannebery
I/C T.Armstrong, N.Malceski, L.Parker, J.White
Emg H.Cunningham J.Moore T.Walsh
In: M.Seaby , T.Armstrong
Out: S.Mumford (Back) , A.Goodes (Suspension)
New: T.Armstrong (Adelaide)
Milestone: A.Everitt - 50 games
