WHILE Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos has declared Daniel Bradshaw an almost certain starter against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night, injured ruckman Mark Seaby has revealed the final decision on the key forward will be left until a couple of hours before the match.

Bradshaw was named in the Swans’ line-up on Thursday evening, but Seaby says he will need to prove his fitness again in the lead-up to the knockout clash.

“With Bradshaw, it always seems to be a last-minute call with him, and it’s been like that for quite a while now,” Seaby told afl.com.au.

“I’m sure it’s going to be no different this week.”

A knee injury kept Bradshaw on the sidelines for three months before he returned to action in the Swans’ reserves two weeks ago. While he hasn’t played for the senior side since round nine, Bradshaw showed his worth after booting 25 goals in his first eight games in red and white, including hauls of six against West Coast and the Brisbane Lions.

The 31-year-old moved well at training at the SCG this week, and his teammates are excited by the prospect of having him up forward on Saturday night.

“If he’s right and good to go, then I’m sure it will be a great boost for the team,” Seaby said.

“He’s got plenty of finals experience, and in the games he’s played for us this year he’s been fantastic.

“He’s a really big target up forward, and hopefully he can kick a bag if he does get out there.”

Small forward Ben McGlynn has also been selected to take on the Dogs, just three weeks after having three metal plates inserted in his fractured cheekbone.

The return of Bradshaw and McGlynn has seen the Swans installed as slight favourites with the bookies to win on Saturday night and advance to a preliminary final date with St Kilda.

Seaby says maintaining a consistent effort over 120 minutes will be critical if the Swans are to extend their season by at least another week.

“If we keep our intensity up, keep our ferociousness and keep our hardness at the contest, that’s what will win us the game," he said.

The Swans’ never-say-die attitude got them over the line against Carlton in last weekend's thrilling elimination final.

Paul Roos’ men trailed by seven points at three-quarter time before booting three goals to one in the last term.

“I think it’s given us the belief that even when things are not looking good we can still get up and win,” Seaby said.

“If the boys play a very similar brand of footy, I think they can win again.”