Sydney prepares for qualifying final against Brisbane with roster changes
AFL • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 8:00 PM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Sydney faces Brisbane in a qualifying final this Saturday after being forced to adjust its lineup. The Swans will play without Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, James Jordon, and Riley Bice, all of whom are serving suspensions. Michael Voss suggests that Sydney must utilize a tactical adjustment to disrupt the Lions' defense to remain competitive. During their previous meeting in round 16, Brisbane defeated Sydney by 43 points, with the Lions effectively closing down the corridor to limit the Swans' handball game. Despite the roster constraints, Voss advises Sydney to persist with its established style of play rather than attempting to implement major tactical shifts so late in the campaign. The winner of this qualifying final earns a home preliminary final spot.
- •Sydney enters the qualifying final against Brisbane missing five suspended players.
- •Brisbane previously defeated Sydney by 43 points in their round 16 matchup.
- •Michael Voss advocates for Sydney to maintain its current handball-focused style of play.
- •The match is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
- 8:00 PMAFL — The 'disruption' the undermanned Swans can cause to Lions
"The Swans can take some lessons from their loss to the Lions earlier this year
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