It’s a painful thing, but fervent Swans supporter Tony Abbott is going to have to hand his AFL grand final tickets to a West Coast Eagles fan.

The prime minister, who is in New York for talks on Iraq and Syria, says he’s unlikely to make it to Melbourne in time for Saturday’s game.

But he’ll be rooting for the Swans from afar.

“I love the Swans and they are the champions of Sydney,” he told the Seven network.

“I may only be supporting them in spirit rather than in body tomorrow but, if I’m not back in time, I’ll be elegantly represented by Julie Bishop.

“I can’t promise who she’s going to go for, but I’ll be barracking for the Swans.”

Ms Bishop surrendered her board position at the West Coast Eagles when she became the foreign minister.

With her team absent from the grand final, it’s unclear where her allegiances lie.

Earlier, Mr Abbott told the Nine network the Swans were on fire.

“(They’ve) had a fabulous season, and let’s hope they top it off with a big win,” he said.