Sydney Swans midfielder Justin McInerney is set to make his return for the club’s crucial preliminary final clash against Fremantle at the SCG. However, free agent forward Joel Amartey will miss the match, with the Swans opting to maintain the successful forward line combination that dominated Brisbane in their previous outing. Coach Dean Cox confirmed McInerney’s inclusion on Thursday morning, marking his first appearance since sustaining a significant hamstring injury in round 13. The decision to omit Amartey comes as the Swans look to replicate their high-scoring performance against the reigning premiers, where their forward unit, featuring Charlie Curnow, Logan McDonald, Tom Papley, and Hayden McLean, contributed 19 of the team’s 21 goals.

Forward Line Stability Key for Swans’ Preliminary Final Strategy

The Swans’ decision to stick with their established forward line is a strategic move aimed at capitalizing on their momentum. The team achieved its highest score in a final during their decisive 53-point victory over Brisbane. This success was largely driven by the potent combination of their tall and small forwards, who effectively dismantled the Lions’ defense. Coach Dean Cox emphasized that the primary consideration was whether to alter a formula that had proven so successful.

“That’s just the decision we had to make,” Cox stated. “Obviously, our forward line functioned really well with the way it was set up. The players that played in that forward line group, whether they be tall or small, played their role as well as we needed them to. The decision was: do we have to turn that around and change it, or do we just go in with what worked, and that’s what we’re going to do.”

Cox acknowledged the strength of Fremantle’s defense and stressed the importance of his team’s offensive unit in confronting this challenge. “We understand Fremantle’s defence and how strong they are in that aspect of the ground. It’s on all our players, certainly in our front half, to try and nullify and keep the score that we need.”

Amartey’s Contract Situation and Future Uncertainty

Joel Amartey’s absence from the preliminary final squad also highlights his uncertain future with the Swans. The talented forward is reportedly considering a lucrative five-year offer from Carlton, which is understood to be worth significantly more than Sydney’s proposed contract. While Amartey is believed to be keen on remaining with the Swans, the financial disparity presented by the Blues’ offer is a considerable factor in his decision-making process.

Injury Concerns and Potential Defensive Adjustments

Beyond Amartey’s omission, the Swans are facing other selection challenges. Captain Callum Mills is out with an ACL injury, necessitating at least one forced change to the lineup. Furthermore, defender Harry Cunningham is in doubt due to a calf issue sustained during training. Should Cunningham be unavailable, Coach Cox indicated that adjustments to the team’s defensive structure might be necessary to counter Fremantle’s tall forwards. Lewis Melican has been flagged as a potential replacement if Cunningham is ruled out.

Mills underwent knee surgery on Wednesday. Despite his injury, he is expected to play a supportive role, potentially from the coaches’ box or the bench, demonstrating his commitment to the team. “I saw him last night, and it’s just now a matter of seeing how that goes first,” Cox commented. “One thing Callum’s always done is put the team first, and he’ll do that again and hopefully support us in any way possible.”

Fremantle’s Form and Swans’ Confidence

Fremantle enters the preliminary final as the strong favorite, having demonstrated impressive form, particularly their confident victory over Geelong in the previous week, which followed a qualifying final loss to Hawthorn. The Dockers are aiming to reach their second AFL Grand Final.

Despite external doubts about the Swans’ ability to replicate their dominant performance against Brisbane, Cox expressed confidence in his team’s mindset and preparation. He believes they can deliver another energetic and emotionally charged performance. “I just look at the way that they’re prepared and how they’ve trained throughout the last couple of weeks,” Cox said. “They look energised, they look excited and ready for the challenge. I think they can [repeat it]. That’s one thing that we’ve tried to dive heavily into is the mindset of where we need to get to when the ball’s bounced Friday night. I think the way that we played, the brand that we played, we need to repeat.”

The Swans’ focus remains on executing their game plan and maintaining the intensity that characterized their quarter-final win. The inclusion of McInerney provides a boost to their midfield options, while the steadfastness in their forward line aims to ensure consistent scoring power against a formidable Fremantle defense.