Fremantle have suffered a huge blow heading into Saturday’s qualifying final against Sydney, with star defender Luke McPharlin ruled out with calf soreness.

And with a thunderstorm forecast, the Dockers have also withdrawn 198cm forward Matt Taberner in what is believed to be a tactical move.

Clancee Pearce and Tendai Mzungu have been drafted into the team to replace the pair.

The loss of McPharlin will leave a big hole in Fremantle’s defence.

But given Sydney are missing star forward Lance Franklin, his absence will be easier to cover for the rest of Fremantle’s defence.

The Swans have gone into the game as named.

McPharlin missed several games this season because of calf soreness and six games last year due to a calf tear.

Given his history, the Dockers are taking an extremely cautious approach with the 33-year-old.

Zak Jones has been named Sydney’s sub, while Clancee Pearce will wear the green vest for Fremantle.