Goodes likely to face Cats

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Sydney defender Ted Richards has revealed Adam Goodes is set to return from a quadriceps injury against Geelong on Friday.

Goodes has not played since Round 6 but Richards stated on Monday if the Swans' games record holder can get through two training sessions this week, he will play against the Cats.

"Yeah really optimistic," Richards said.

"He (Goodes) trained on Saturday.

"He didn't have much of a break over the bye, he's been really working hard.

"So he's going to be doing full training today and if he gets through today and Wednesday, he's all good for Friday."

The Swans head into Friday night's clash with the Cats four points off the top of the ladder having won three of their past four games.

Richards has been impressed by how the entire Sydney squad has come together to get the job done without the likes of Goodes, Shane Mumford and Luke Parker for extended periods this season.

The 29-year-old defender gave Mike Pyke plenty of credit for his ruck role in the Swans' four-point victory against Essendon and argued his effort exemplified how Sydney's fringe players have succeeded.

"We know that injuries are going to happen over the course of the season...and yet someone comes in like Tony Armstrong last weekend and he's another one that played a role for us...and that's something we really respect inside the club," Richards said.

With Sydney having just completed their one bye of the season, Richards lent his support to suggestions the AFL should introduce two byes per club.

"I'm a big fan of the two byes and I just think that throughout the course of the season you do feel tired at times and that second bye really helps out," Richards said.

Geelong will head up to Sydney for Friday night's game in seventh position on the ladder and four points behind the Swans, but Richards refused to get sucked in to the idea the reigning premiers are on the decline.

"They're a team that builds momentum up over the course of the season," Richards said.

"We know what they're capable of."

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