The Sydney Swans have made significant squad changes, bringing in eight players to cover for five key members suspended for the remainder of the Australian Football League finals series. Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon, and Riley Bice were banned following an alleged incident in Melbourne, a decision that club chairman Andrew Pridham stated had "torpedoed" their season.
This marks the first time the Swans will play without these five players since the alleged sexual assault at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne came to light earlier in the week. The suspended players include some of the team's most crucial assets. The Swans are scheduled to play North Melbourne on Sunday at the SCG, with the final 23-player team to be confirmed on Friday.
Introduced into the extended squad are James Rowbottom, Angus Sheldrick, Tom Hanily, Harry Cunningham, Caiden Cleary, Patrick Snell, Malcolm Rosas, and Corey Warner, who is the younger brother of suspended player Chad Warner. The Swans are currently guaranteed to finish second and have two home finals matches.
Elsewhere in the league, minor premiers Fremantle will rest three players, including star forward Jye Amiss, Heath Chapman, and Sam Switkowski, for their Saturday match against Carlton. Judd McVee and Bailey Banfield are set to return for Fremantle, and Tobyn Murray will make his debut. The Blues, who will secure a wildcard spot, will be without Nick Haynes and Will Hayward due to injuries.
Collingwood has chosen not to rest any players for their Friday night game against the Brisbane Lions. Despite being locked into a wildcard final, the Magpies have only added veterans Jeremy Howe, returning from an arm injury, and Steele Sidebottom, who was ill. Noah Howes has been omitted, and Isaac Quaynor is out with a glute issue.
The Lions have recalled Ty Gallop, who has completed a three-game suspension for misconduct. Geelong will welcome back key forward Jeremy Cameron for their Saturday night match against Richmond. Cameron has been sidelined for six weeks with an AC joint injury. The Western Bulldogs will have captain Marcus Bontempelli back for their game against Melbourne, though veteran Tom Liberatore has been rested.