Senior coach Dean Cox has named an extended bench ahead of our Sunday afternoon clash at the SCG. The final team will be announced on Friday evening with defender Lewis Melican set to return. 

He is expected to replace Tom McCartin in the backline after it was announced he would be sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury. Will Edwards who made his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs last Thursday has also been named down back.

Meanwhile, Isaac Heeney is a test to play against the Dees after being a late out due to a tight calf. 

Included on the extended bench is Hayden McLean, last week's debutant Billy Cootee and Peter Ladhams. The ruckman is pushing for selection after a standout performance in the VFL last week, finishing the match with a career best 40 disposals, 47 hitouts, 19 clearances. McLean also dominated in the forward 50 with five goals. 

Sydney Swans v Melbourne

Round 8 •

SCG, Sydney • NSW

Brodie Grundy is set to play his 250th career game when the team runs out against his old side on Sunday afternoon. Grundy played 177 games for Collingwood, 17 for Melbourne and will notch 56 games in the red and white. The ruckman is highly decorated as Collingwood's Best and Fairest in 2018 and 2019 - named All Australian in both years - and in 2025 was awarded the Paul Kelly Players' Player Award and Adam Goodes Trophy for Runner Up in the Club Champion. 

Round 8 marks our first Sunday afternoon clash of the 2026 season making it the perfect day out for the whole family. Head to the Sellers & Colless Center - Sydney Swans HQ - early to enjoy plenty of entertainment for little and big kids alike. Find out what's on, HERE.

The final team will be confirmed at 5pm on Friday.