Second Elimination Final
UTAS Stadium, Launceston
Saturday August 28th, 3.20pm
IN: Warner, Bell
OUT: Campbell, Mills, Fox (medi-sub)
The Sydney Swans have named their side to face the GWS GIANTS in Saturday's Second Elimination Final in Launceston.
Co-captain Josh Kennedy (hamstring) and midfielder Callum Mills (achillies) have unfortunately not been named in the team and will miss the final due to injury.
Coach John Longmire said it was disappointing that two of his senior players couldn't get up for the match.
"Callum Mills and Josh Kennedy are not available this week unfortunately," Longmire said
"Callum did a bit of training today, we were hopeful he would get up but we thought it was too big a risk so he's not playing which is unfortunate for him and us as he is a quality player.
"We didn't push Joey (Josh Kennedy) too hard today. He did what he needed to so we will see how he goes over the weekend and obviously see how we go and what happens next week."
Coming into the side to replace the duo are a couple of young and exciting players.
Chad Warner returns to the side from injury and will play his first AFL final on Saturday. Warner impressed early in the season with his pace and tenacity through the midfield and won a Rising Star nomination in Round 3.
After missing part of the season with a shin injury, he returned with some solid performances in VFL scratch matches and will now return to the senior side for the must-win game on Saturday.
22-year old QBE Sydney Swans Academy product James Bell has also been called up and will play his first AFL final and his 12th game for the 2021 season.
"They are good quality young players and both will get a taste of finals footy," Longmire said.
"Chad is a massive competitor and was good for us early in the season and he's been out because he was injured for a significant amount of time. We feel like he's ready to go now.
"Belly has played a number of games for us this year and gives us some really hard, gut running which is going to be really important."
Saturday's Elimination Final will mark the third 'Sydney Derby' final after facing off in the 2016 Qualifying Final and the 2018 Elimination Final.
Season 2021 has thrown big challenges to both Sydney teams who were forced out of NSW due to the Covid-19 situation and both have been on the road for over two months.
Longmire said he is looking forward to the challenge of the club's traditional cross-town rivals.
"It's great to be playing finals and both clubs from Sydney have done a good job to get to this point," Longmire said.
"The Giants have been through challenges this year as well. They are a quality team and we know they play well so it will be a great game.
"There's a lot on the line for both teams and I am sure both will be giving it their best."
The team is looking forward to seeing plenty of red and white at UTAS Stadium with Tasmanian fans coming out in force to show their support and the game selling out on Monday evening.
"We are always thinking of our fans in NSW and Victoria who are doing it particularly tough at the moment, but we are really excited to get down to Launceston and play in front of our Tasmanian fans," Longmire said.
The match commences at 3.20pm AEST on Saturday afternoon and will be broadcast on Channel 7, Fox Sports and Kayo.
Sydney Swans vs GWS GIANTS - Elimination Final
