SYDNEY SWANS
Some of the Swans' biggest names are set for recalls this week as coach John Longmire tries to manage his squad.
This time last year, in Longmire's own words, the Swans were "a little bit buggered" so they've altered their plans to try to have the players as fresh as possible for September.
Lance Franklin, who kicked four second-half goals in a pivotal role when they last met Fremantle, at the SCG in round five, will come back after his troublesome knee was given another week's rest.
Mike Pyke will also be another important inclusion in the ruck.
Josh Kennedy (hamstring) and Ben McGlynn (calf) are also tipped to be named on Thursday, following two and three weeks off respectively, while Craig Bird (knee) is considered the least likely to prove his fitness this week.
So who misses out?
Ruckman Sam Naismith is one after a tough debut.
Shane Biggs and Dean Towers have played well when they've been given an opportunity, but they – along with Zak Jones – could be set to pay for the return of such big names for a qualifying final.
FREMANTLE
The Dockers mix has been thrown into chaos with the news that Michael Johnson will miss the entire finals series with a back injury.
The immediate replacement is Alex Silvagni who was squeezed out on match-ups last week.
Silvagni and Zac Dawson appear set to face Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett.
Luke McPharlin has not played since round 20 due to a calf problem and is highly unlikely to return, however he has not been ruled out.
Matt de Boer and Clancee Pearce are options to come in as running utilities to handle the Swans' powerful running brigade.
Both players played well in the WAFL last week.
The biggest gamble coach Ross Lyon could make would be picking youngster Michael Apeness.
He kicked three goals last week in the WAFL and pushing him into the Dockers' forward line could allow Matt Taberner or Chris Mayne to swing into defence.
