SUMMARY
Fremantle's chances of winning their maiden premiership will rise if they can overcome the Swans at home. Hosting a preliminary final at Domain Stadium after a week off would be a huge advantage for Ross Lyon's outfit – and would help keep ageing warriors Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Luke McPharlin fresh for possibly their final flag tilt. The Swans go to Perth as rank underdogs without their co-captain Kieren Jack and Luke Parker, but they still have enough quality to be confident of causing a boilover.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday 12 September, 1.20pm WST
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
WHO'S MISSING?
Fremantle: Key defender Alex Silvagni still has one match of his four-game striking ban to serve, while tagger Ryan Crowley is out until the preliminary final following his anti-doping suspension. Ruckman Jon Griffin (hamstring) will also miss.
Sydney Swans: Co-captain Kieren Jack's knee injury is a major blow to the Swans' flag hopes and has compounded the loss of another star midfielder, Luke Parker, who is recovering from a fractured leg.
Most wonderful time of the year
THIS YEAR
Round four, Domain Stadium: Fremantle 11.8 (74) d Sydney 8.12 (60)
In their typical early-season style, the Freo Dockers steamrolled the Swans in the opening half to lead by 48 points, but they had to hang on grimly as the visitors fought back to get within three points. Nat Fyfe starred with 27 touches.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1QF, 2014, Sydney Swans 13.15 (93) d Fremantle 10.9 (69) at ANZ Stadium
R5, 2014, Sydney Swans 13.14 (92) d Fremantle 11.9 (75) at the SCG
2PF, 2013, Fremantle 14.15 (99) d Sydney Swans 11.8 (74) at Domain Stadium
R8, 2013, Sydney Swans 11.4 (70) drew Fremantle 9.16 (70) at the SCG
R2, 2012, Sydney Swans 14.10 (94) d Fremantle 12.9 (81) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. These clubs will meet for the fourth time in finals. The Swans hold a 2-1 advantage, including a qualifying final triumph last year at ANZ Stadium.
2. The Swans' squad also holds the edge in finals games experience, 265-220. They've won six of nine finals since 2012, while Freo has lost its past three.
3. Fremantle and Swans are strong contested sides, both averaging about 140 contested possessions per game.
4. Fremantle is the League's best clearance side, averaging 41.8 per game. The Swans are equal-seventh with 39.2 per game.
5. The Freo Dockers are the lowest scoring side in the final eight this season, averaging only 84.4 points per game. But the Swans are only marginally better, averaging 91.1 points.
6. There are more Swans (six) than Fremantle (four) in the top 100 of the AFL Player Ratings, but Parker (36th) and Jack (53rd) will be missing this Saturday. Nat Fyfe is the No.1 ranked player.
We're ready: Lyon
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Fremantle: Nat Fyfe. When the Freo Dockers win, it's usually their midfield superstar who ignites them. Can Fyfe immediately resume at his brilliant best after missing two weeks with a leg injury?
Sydney Swans: Kurt Tippett. With Lance Franklin ruled out, the high-priced former Crow has two crucial roles as a goalkicker and supporting ruckman against Sandilands.
WHERE FREMANTLE CAN WIN IT
Fremantle should have a decided edge at the clearances and Hayden Ballantyne's likely return provides more scoring power. Ross Lyon's men will try to strangle the Swans – a la the 2013 preliminary final – on their narrow home deck.
WHERE THE SWANS CAN WIN IT
A tall forward line of Tippett, Sam Reid and Adam Goodes could stretch the Fremantle's defence, if the Swans' understrength midfield can get enough supply inside 50.
