BY FRANK IENCO

SYDNEY assistant coach John Blakey believes his side’s younger players have done enough to fill the breach left in the Swans forward line following the injury and suspension to Barry Hall.

As FootyhHeads reported last night, Hall is set to return in a fortnight’s time for the Round 12 game against St. Kilda, following a seven week suspension for striking West Coast’s Brent Staker.

Hall injured his wrist in the same match following a collision with an advertising board, but media reports today have quoted Sydney doctor Nathan Gibbs saying the fracture is healing well and Hall will have a minor procedure to remove a pin next week.

Blakey, who also serves as the Swans’ forward coach, says Geelong recruit Henrry Playfair has stepped into Hall’s shoes.

But he also gave specific praise to couple of the club’s younger forwards in Ed Barlow and Jared Moore, who kicked three goals in last Saturday’s win over Port Adelaide.

“Obviously it was a big loss for us because (Hall) is such a great player for us and runs a lot of our set ups in our forward line,” Blakey told the club’s website.

“But it made opportunities for other guys and other people had to step up.”

FootyHeads, which Swans players have made the step up in the absence of Barry Hall? Is there room in the forward line for Nick Davis to return?

Have your say, FootyHeads!