Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox is preparing for his first preliminary final as head coach, with the team set to face the Fremantle Dockers at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday night. Despite missing several key players, including captain Callum Mills and members of the so-called "Pullman Five," the Swans remain confident and focused on the challenge ahead.
The Swans endured significant setbacks this season, most notably the suspension of five players following an off-field incident involving allegations of inappropriate behavior and breaches of team conduct at the team hotel. These suspensions, which came amid intense scrutiny and club discipline, forced the removal of prominent players such as Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, and James Jordon just as the team was positioned second on the ladder.
Despite these losses and the severe hit to team depth and morale, Sydney has shown remarkable resilience, securing convincing victories in their most recent matches. After the suspensions, the Swans defeated North Melbourne by 53 points at a partly filled SCG, followed by an equally commanding 53-point win over the Brisbane Lions in a qualifying final, despite Mills being sidelined with a season-ending knee injury. The turnaround has been credited to a strong club culture and a focus on collective effort.
Cox emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and concentrating on controllable factors in the lead-up to Friday’s match. “I try and tell our players to focus on what they can control,” Cox said. “We’ve tried to dive heavily into the mindset of where we need to get to when the ball’s bounced.” He also noted the challenge of matching up against Fremantle’s tall forwards and the need to outmaneuver their key players tactically.
Key to Sydney’s efforts will be forward Charlie Curnow, who secured his third Coleman Medal this season by scoring 69 goals. Curnow remains focused on performing consistently to support the team’s chances rather than reflecting prematurely on what has been a standout year. “There are so many amazing players at this club that it doesn’t feel like it falls onto me,” Curnow said. “I feel like if I just focus on a few simple things in my game, it helps me perform and the players around me.”
The Fremantle Dockers have been recognized as premiership favorites throughout the season and enter the preliminary final as strong contenders. Still, Sydney approaches the game as rank outsiders, with bookmakers positioning them as $2.50 underdogs. Nevertheless, the team’s recent form and demonstrated resolve provide cause for optimism among supporters.
Sydney’s season has been marked by a dramatic reversal—from a period of disgrace and turmoil to a potential path toward premiership glory. The club’s swift and decisive disciplinary action was widely praised for upholding standards despite the risk of derailing the season. Now, with the suspended players excluded, the remaining squad has rallied, producing some of the team’s best football to date and proving capable of competing at the highest level.
Friday’s preliminary final will test whether the Swans’ resurgence can continue, and whether the collective spirit forged amid adversity can carry them to a grand final appearance.