Sydney Swans and Fremantle Dockers prepare for AFL preliminary final

As the Sydney Swans and Fremantle Dockers prepare for their AFL preliminary final at the SCG, both teams face significant selection and fitness challenges.

Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox has confirmed the return of winger Justin McInerney from a hamstring injury. However, key forward Joel Amartey will remain sidelined despite being fit, as the club opts to stick with Hayden McLean, who performed strongly in the qualifying final. The Swans are also managing several absences, including Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner, who are serving club-imposed bans, and captain Callum Mills, who is out with a season-ending knee injury. Veteran defender Harry Cunningham is also a doubt due to a calf issue.

For Fremantle, coach Justin Longmuir is looking to reliable role players like midfielder Corey Wagner to support the team's stars. Wagner, recently recalled to the side, has been noted for his disciplined, team-first approach and high pressure acts, which proved vital in recent matches. Longmuir, returning to the SCG two decades after a career-ending injury occurred during a similar fixture, continues to hold high levels of respect and faith from his playing group.