Remaining preparations are underway for a Preliminary Final clash on the SCG when the Sydney Swans face Port Adelaide this Friday night. Senior coach John Longmire has locked in his team for the blockbuster game with just one change.
Versatile forward and defender Robbie Fox will return to the team after missing out on the Qualifying Final. The 31-year-old has appeared in 16 games in 2024 after being sidelined due to a shoulder injury earlier in the season. He replaces captain Callum Mills who unfortunately sustained a hamstring injury during last week's training.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Longmire says Fox will bring plenty of finals experience to the team.
"Foxy obviously plays a number of different roles for us, he can play in any position on the ground," the senior coach shared.
"He's played in finals previously and has done well. It's good to have him back in the team."
Also named in the team is young defender Matt Roberts who played his first ever finals series match in the Qualifying Final against GWS earlier this month. He is joined by James Jordon, who although featured in Melbourne's past finals matches, will play just his second final series match in red and white.
The Swans play Port Adelaide after Power defeated Hawthorn in a clutch Semi Final, with Longmire admitting the prelim will be a fiery contest.
"They're a really good footy team, good footy club, well coached and have got some great players. They play a really hard brand of footy, so it's going to be a tough one."
Over 40,000 members and fans are expected to file into the SCG this Friday night in the club's second home final match for 2024. The senior coach says he's looking forward to welcoming a loud contingent of red and white supporters.
"We can't wait to get to the SCG on Friday night and have a heaving red and white crowd really supporting our players. They've been awesome this year, it's been amazing and we look forward to hearing it on Friday night."
It's also a night of massive milestones. Dane Rampe will run out in his 250th career game while Isaac Heeney will celebrate 200 games.
