Two sides that like to employ similar styles will go head-to-head in a huge qualifying final at ANZ Stadium. Contested football is the name of the game and the winner of that battle will go a long way towards earning a home preliminary final in a fortnight. The average winning margin over the past five matches between the Swans and Dockers is just over two goals, so another close game can be expected. Most consider the Swans have more firepower at their disposal, led by Coleman medallist Lance Franklin. But they averaged 96.6 points per game this year, only marginally more than Freo’s 92.2. Either way, fans should brace themselves for an epic encounter, similar to last year’s preliminary final at Patersons Stadium.

THIS YEAR – R5, 2014, Sydney Swans 13.14 (92) d Fremantle 11.9 (75) at the SCG
It seems funny now to think the Swans had a 1-3 record and were under all sorts of pressure as they prepared to host the Dockers. They responded by winning the tackle count 102-66 and capitalised on big games from Josh Kennedy, Ben McGlynn and Dan Hannebery to secure a critical victory that set them on the path to the minor premiership.

PREVIOUS FIVE ENCOUNTERS
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 Patersons 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
R17, 2011, Fremantle 15.8 (98) d Sydney Swans 13.9 (87) at the SCGKEY MATCH-UPS –

Pyke should be well rested after he missed last week’s loss to Richmond, and he’ll need to be. If Sandilands gets well on top in their head-to-head battle, it could go a long way towards a Fremantle victory. Giving up 10cm to the giant Docker, Pyke just needs to force a contest around the ground to give his midfield a chance. Nick Smith v Hayden Ballantyne
Ballantyne is such a barometer for his Fremantle outfit. When he kicks goals, they invariably win. But when he doesn’t, it can get ugly. He managed just 4.3 in total in four defeats this year, while he was absent for Freo’s two other losses. He will have his hands full with Smith, who has had an outstanding year and relishes the challenge of taking on the competition’s best small forwards.

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MEDICAL ROOM –
Swans: This time last year the Swans were limping into the finals, with too many players asked to shoulder a load that proved too great. This year, they have rotated more players through the midfield and it has had the desired affect. Josh Kennedy (hamstring), Ben McGlynn (calf) and Craig Bird (knee) require tests this week, but only the latter is in major doubt.
Dockers: One of the main things opponents need against the Swans’ tall forward line is key defenders. Unfortunately for Freo, Michael Johnson (back) is gone for the season and Luke McPharlin (calf) hasn’t played since round 20. Michael Barlow seems to be coping with a broken thumb, while Colin Sylvia has a hamstring/calf issue.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY WIN?
Swans: If the Swans win, they get a week off, more time for Franklin to rest his knee, and an armchair ride into a home preliminary final at ANZ Stadium.
Dockers: It’s the same situation for Fremantle. If the Dockers can get over the line in Sydney, they earn the week off and gain the significant advantage of a home preliminary final in Perth.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY LOSE?
Swans: If the Swans lose, they will play at home the following week in a semi-final against the winner of the elimination final between Port Adelaide and Richmond.
Dockers: Same as above. If Fremantle loses, they will host the winner of Port Adelaide and Richmond the following week.

THE SIX POINTS
1. Last time these teams met, Franklin struggled early before kicking four second-half goals to help the Swans get over the line. Nat Fyfe starred for Freo and Matthew Pavlich kicked four goals.

2. It will be a fierce contested possession battle on Saturday afternoon. The Swans are ranked first in the AFL in that category with 147.5 per game, while Fremantle is fourth with 143.6.

3. This will be the third final between these clubs. In 2006, the Swans won a preliminary final at ANZ Stadium, with Freo then winning another preliminary final at Patersons Stadium last season. On both occasions, the winning side went on to lose the Grand Final.

4. Most pundits say the Swans should be playing their finals at the SCG, but at ANZ Stadium they have a 6-1 record in September. Away from home in finals, Fremantle’s record is 2-5.

5. Fremantle will need to lift its tackling intensity this week. The Swans are ranked first in tackling once again this year with 73.6 per game. Freo is down in 10th with 65 per game.

6. Franklin finished the year as the top-ranked Swan in the Official AFL Player Ratings, passing Josh Kennedy and Kieren Jack late in the season to sit eighth overall. He is one place ahead of the leading Docker, Nat Fyfe.