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Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says Saturday's MCG opponents Sydney boast plenty of threats in their forward line even without Lance Franklin.
Lance Franklin may be out but Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says resurgent Sydney still have plenty of strikepower in their forward line for their Saturday clash at the MCG.
Written off by many, the Swans have been the early season surprise packets, one of five teams, including the Tigers, who are unbeaten heading into the third round.
Hardwick was gushing about Sydney's form and some new faces who have been key to their bright start.
"It's amazing how they have an influx of players - some of their young talent is scintillating," Hardwick said on Thursday.
"You sit there watching the tapes of the first two games they've played and they're just dynamic the way they go about.
"They move the ball, still through composed possession, but it's really, really quick.
"Their forward line is changing, it's emerging, it's really exciting and we're going to have our work cut out for us so we've got to bring pressure and lots of it."
Sydney superstar 'Buddy' Franklin made his long awaited return from injury last week, kicking three goals in their 33-point win over Adelaide.
He was expected to line up against the premiers, but the Swans decided late to manage his workload given his lengthy lay-off.
But Hardwick said the new threats in the Swans forward line meant they couldn't ease up even without Franklin in the side.
The Sydney forward line leads the competition for goals scored, with 37 in two games, average marks inside 50 with 19, and goals per entry with 30.8 per cent.
"Buddy is just one part of a very dynamic forward line, they've got some good young talent down there who are capable goal-kickers," Hardwick said.
"We've got to have ... a Sydney Swans forward line focus as they can score goals very quickly."
Nick Vlastuin (knee) won't play but can at least celebrate a new five-year deal which was announced on Thursday.
Hardwick also ruled out fellow defender Bachar Houli, saying he is set to return from his calf injury through the VFL.
In career-best form, Vlastuin was off contract at season's end but is now tied to Richmond until at least the end of 2026.
Hardwick said with the Tigers offering less money than rival clubs, Vlastuin deserved a long-term contract.
"To play at our footy club players will take less so we're prepared to give them a longer term to get them what they probably deserve," he said.
"Nick could walk out the door and have a life-changing contract but he wants to stay at our footy club and is prepared to do so for less which sums up Nick.
"He's such an important player and we love the way he goes about it."