SYDNEY Swans coach John Longmire isn't sure how Thursday's funeral for John McCarthy will affect Collingwood ahead of Friday night's preliminary final at ANZ Stadium.

What he does know is his side better be prepared for an intense battle if the Swans are to barge their way into next week's Grand Final.

The Magpies are attending McCarthy's funeral in Sorrento before flying to Sydney later on Thursday.

The Swans went through their own tragedy last year when Jarrad and Clementine McVeigh lost their baby daughter Luella after a month-long battle with serious heart complications.

The playing group rallied around its co-captain and went on to defeat the Cats in Geelong three days later.

"You don't really know unless you're inside the football club what's going on," Longmire said.

"What I do know is football clubs are fantastic things to be a part of when you're going through a grieving process.

"We were unfortunate enough to experience something last year that was a really tough period and football clubs are a good spot to be around.

"They really offer a lot of support and no doubt that's what is happening down at Collingwood this week."

Asked how the situation could affect the Pies in the game, Longmire said: "We don't think about that at all.

"We respect the fact that the McCarthy family have a difficult challenge and the Collingwood Football Club have got a difficult challenge to face today, but we expect a fierce battle tomorrow night and that's what we're focusing on."

Longmire revealed the make-up of his team early, stating Heath Grundy's return from suspension for Ben McGlynn (hamstring) is the only change expected at this stage.

Luke Parker, the substitute in the Swans' last two games, could also see more game time and help cover for McGlynn's absence.

All the intrigue in terms of selection revolves around Collingwood and whether Chris Dawes (knee) and Alan Didak (calf) will play.

Longmire expects Dawes to take his place in the side to back up Darren Jolly, who the Swans coach singled out as the most important member of Collingwood's star-studded midfield.

Longmire is also thrilled with the return to form of speedster Lewis Jetta, who was back to his best against Adelaide in the qualifying final and could be a major factor at ANZ Stadium.

"He gave us some real bite around the ground and was back at his running best," Longmire said.

"I enjoyed the tackle when he chased down Patty Dangerfield, I thought that was outstanding, there's not too many blokes who can do that.

"That was a good sign and I think he's back to his real lively best. It's great to have a young kid like that in the team who understands footy really well."

Longmire was also asked one more time about the key to finally breaking a six-year losing run against the Pies.

"It's just about hard work," he said.

"Sometimes you go looking for things and do different things that may or may not work.

"I know what does work and that's working hard for four quarters and that's what we expect our players to do tomorrow."

James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD