Sydney coach John Longmire described Gary Rohan as 'emotional' when the forward was told he would be making his first senior appearance in 16 months.
Rohan, 22, has been out of the Swans' side since breaking his leg against North Melbourne in April last year.
But after four matches in the NEAFL with Sydney's reserves, Rohan is set to return when the reigning premiers face St Kilda at the SCG on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Longmire said Rohan had been asking to be picked but was still moved by the realisation he would be making his AFL return.
"We announced it downstairs in front of the players and, to be honest, he was a little bit emotional," Longmire said.
"He's kept telling me for the last three weeks to pick him but I've sort of ignored him to a certain degree.
"I think when we finally said, 'OK mate you're in,' I think it did hit him as far as how much work he's been able to do."
Longmire said Rohan was as fast as before his leg break and the Swans coach is excited to see the progress the speedster can make before the end of the season.
According to Longmire, Rohan is faster than Lewis Jetta and the pressure he can apply will only make Sydney a better side.
"His work at training and also during the reserves at times, we've seen that top-end genuine pace," Longmire said.
"There wouldn't be many that I'd say would be faster than Lewis Jetta but he's probably one of them. That's been really exciting to see.
"He gives that great speed to the team. He's a fantastic chaser and tackler.
"He puts on real pressure in our front half but we're also mindful that whatever he gives the team this year, he'll be better again next year, so our expectations are very much along those lines."
The Swans could also regain a trio of stars just a week before the finals when they face Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium on August 30.
Longmire said Adam Goodes, Sam Reid and Jetta were all likely to return then.
"It won't be until probably the last game. There's (Goodes), 'Jetts' and 'Reidy'," the 42-year-old coach said.
"'Reidy' is certainly running really well and 'Jetts' is starting to push along now as well. Adam did a really solid running session two days ago and pulled up well.
"As we know, he comes to hand pretty quickly but how much quicker he comes to hand at 33 I'm not too sure but hopefully it's pretty quick. He shouldn't be far away by the last game."