Sydney's mission to stop Collingwood colossus Anthony Rocca was handed a timely boost with the naming of defender Leo Barry for Saturday night's AFL match at Telstra Stadium.

Barry's inclusion was one of six changes by ninth-placed Sydney (6-6 win-loss record) with star forward Michael O'Loughlin, ruck duo Jason Ball and Stephen Doyle all returning from injury and utility Josh Thewlis to make his debut.

Thewlis, recruited from the Bendigo U/18 side at pick No.50 overall in the 2002 AFL national draft, was selected on the back of some strong recent performances in reserves.

Collingwood (4-8) welcomes back key forward Rocca and midfielder Shane O'Bree from injury for the clash which is pivotal to the Magpies fading hopes of making the finals.

Ball and Doyle will add some grunt to the Swans ruck department which was weakened by Adam Goodes' knee injury, which has kept last year's Brownlow Medallist into the backline.

Goodes himself will be delighted with the return of Barry who has not played since his best-on-ground performance in the Swans' round 11 home win over St Kilda.

Goodes was expected to be the first option on the 104kg and 195cm Rocca, but memories of Barry's towelling of Saints spearhead Fraser Gehrig this month might see him first up on the mighty Magpie.

Rocca has taken 56 marks and booted 21 goals in his 10 matches this season.

But the statistic that proves Rocca's influence on the Pies is that Collingwood has not won a match without the man mountain in three years.

Sydney defender Tadgh Kennelly says playing against Rocca is a massive challenge, but believed the Swans were up to handling him.

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