The Sydney Swans have arrived in Melbourne ahead of their preliminary final, against Geelong on Friday night. Meanwhile, a surprise selection could be on the cards for the Western Bulldogs, as they gear up for their own preliminary final against the Giants on Saturday.

Jed Theed reports.

TRANSCRIPT

After his season almost ended in tears with a suspected fractured collarbone, Lin Jong could be a surprise inclusion to face Greater Western Sydney.

He trained with the Bulldogs at their closed session on Thursday, coach Luke Beveridge not making any decisions yet.

The Bulldogs have beaten both last year’s grand finalists, West Coast and Hawthorn, but they’ll face an uphill battle after losing seven prelims since their last grand final in 1961.

Luke Beveridge, Western Bulldogs Coach: “We definitely don’t go back and throw it up like you just did but, you know, it’s there and I think that’s the exciting thing.”

The Giants have no such history but face an even greater challenge, their first finals series.

In the NRL, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has dismissed criticism from Raiders counterpart Ricky Stuart they used wrestling tactics and were constantly offside in their shock win two weeks ago.

Shane Flanagan, Cronulla Sharks Coach: “I laughed my head off when we heard it. We didn’t wrestle. I think he called it a scrap on the ground or something so as I said it’s all banter and that’s a coach’s tactics. If that’s what he wants to do good luck to him.”

The Sharks take on the Cowboys on Friday night while the Canberra Raiders face the Storm, embroiled in their own wrestling controversy, on Saturday.

Jed Theed, QUT News.