Ball and Swan represent two of five inclusions to the side which recorded a comprehensive 86-point win over St Kilda last Friday night, with Sam Dwyer, Brodie Grundy and Tim Broomhead also called up in the absence of Nick Maxwell (calf strain) and Steele Sidebottom (suspension).
A final match day squad will be confirmed following the side’s main training session on Saturday.
Late withdrawals last week, Swan and Grundy have overcome heel and back soreness respectively, while Ball, who was unavailable due to calf tightness, has immediately returned to the fray after training strongly throughout the week.
Their reintroduction poses questions as to the likely composition of Collingwood’s midfield unit, and highlights the welcome dilemma facing senior coach Nathan Buckley, with Josh Thomas and Taylor Adams, who lined-up last week in Ball and Swan’s stead, performing admirably against St Kilda.
Dwyer meanwhile has continued to press his claim for senior selection despite having struggled to secure a consistent berth this season, a victim of injury and the club’s burgeoning depth.
Making 21 appearances during his debut campaign last year, Dwyer proved a revelation, his composure across the half forward line enabling him to make a swift transition to the AFL after arriving at the Westpac Centre as a mature-age rookie selection.
However, a succession of minor fitness concerns, allied to the wide array of contenders battling for a place in the forward line has transpired to make opportunities scarce for the 27-year old.
A potential senior debut is Broomhead’s reward after producing a series of impressive displays with Dale Tapping’s VFL side, the South Australian having averaged 24 disposals, four clearances and five inside 50s per game in four matches this season.
Selected 20th overall in the 2012 National Draft, Broomhead made his mark at senior level with Port Adelaide in the SANFL before joining Collingwood, with his balance, composure and evasive ability earning him plaudits from the Magpies coaching staff.
Melbourne v Collingwood
Round 12
Monday 9 June
MCG, 3.20pm
Collingwood
B: Tom Langdon, Jack Frost, Alan Toovey
HB: Marley Williams, Lachlan Keeffe, Tyson Goldsack
C: Dane Swan, Brent Macaffer, Heritier Lumumba
HF: Alex Fasolo, Jesse White, Jarryd Blair
F: Luke Ball, Travis Cloke, Jamie Elliott
Foll: Jarrod Witts, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
Int: Sam Dwyer, Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Clinton Young, Josh Thomas, Tim Broomhead, Paul Seedsman
IN: Luke Ball, Tim Broomhead, Sam Dwyer, Brodie Grundy, Dane Swan
OUT: Nick Maxwell (calf), Steele Sidebottom (suspension)
NEW: Tim Broomhead (20, Port District/Port Adelaide Magpies)
