The Sydney Swans face a Fremantle outfit with plenty to play for on Sunday, with Dockers great Matthew Pavlich set to notch up his 350 th AFL game.
Pavlich missed Fremantle’s loss to the Gold Coast last weekend, with the 34-year- old opting to play only home games for the rest of the season as his battle-weary body edges towards retirement at the season’s end.
Fremantle has made four changes for the match with Pavlich, Matt de Boer, Alex Silvagni and Darcy Tucker coming into the side. Jon Griffin, Nick Suban, Tendai Mzungu and Connor Blakely have been omitted.
For the Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh returns from a groin injury while Toby Nankervis comes in to replace injured ruckman Callum Sinclair. Jordan Foote has been omitted.
Dockers coach Ross Lyon said de Boer was a logical inclusion, despite the 26-year- old having played just two games this season.
"We need his strength and size," Lyon said of the midfielder on Friday.
"His form has been really quite strong. I've let go of the sentiment and I’ve gone for practicality."
The two teams will be competing for the Redkite Cup, with both the Swans and the Dockers long-time supporters of the charity and the important services it provides to children and young people with cancer.
Head to head: Sydney Swans v Fremantle
Played 31
Sydney 16
Fremantle 14
Draws 1
Last time we met:
Qualifying Final, 2015
Fremantle 10.9 (69) d Sydney 7.18 (60)
