AFL LIVE: Sydney Swans, Brisbane Lions face off at SCG for preliminary final spot

3.12pmThe tactical match ups By If there was one team that the Swans did not want to face on a hot day in Sydney, it would probably be Brisbane.The Swans’ 44-point round one win over the Lions at the SCG feels like another world. Sydney used a fast-flowing handball game through the corridor. By round 16 at the Gabba, the Lions shut down the corridor and won 104-60. The Swans have circled the wagon this week, the open training sessions that normally happen during a finals week have gone. The Swans have kept a tight perimeter and will utilise the SCG crowd to get behind them. Don’t forget the Swans have also only lost once this season at the SCG against Adelaide.Brisbane’s quality differential is significant, with three All-Australian selections Harris Andrews, Logan Morris and Zac Bailey all playing at the SCG. Will Ashcroft could also have a game to remember against a considerably weakened Swans midfield.The Swans will have tightened considerably in defence, they have no choice. James Rowbottom is nursing a hand injury, with a heavy bandage and strapping. Expect high pressure for the Swans for the opening two quarters at least.3.06pmWho have you got?By 2.58pmRugari’s pre-game takeBy Vince Rugari2.52pmCrowd looking very sparse so farBy The teams are about to run out and the SCG is looking fairly empty.There is a strong caveat here that the Swans faithful are notoriously late into their seats, but even still, I would expect a lot more people in the stands. The two members stands particularly are looking very spartan.It would be very grim if the Swans get under 40,000 today.We will keep a watching brief on this.The Sydney Swans training ahead of the qualifying final against Brisbane in the qualifying final.Louie Douvis2.46pmExclusive: Secret recording in Swans sexual assault investigation seized by policeBy Christine LacyVictoria Police have seized an audio recording from a Melbourne home detailing events at the centre of the Sydney Swans alleged sexual assaults investigation.A source close to the investigation, but not authorised to comment publicly, told this masthead that the recording was made in the days following the alleged incident in a room at the Pullman East Melbourne hotel in the early hours of Monday, August 17.Read more hereSydney Swans players (from left) Chad Warner, James Jordon, Isaac Heeney and Nick Blakey.The Age2.46pmWarm conditions in Sydney todayBy A hot temperature of 33 degrees is forecast today:2.46pmGood afternoon from the SCGBy Good afternoon, it’s Jonathan Drennan here from a beautifully sunny SCG. The temperature is already hovering over 29 degrees and my Irish skin is delighted to be hidden from the sun in the press box.I am joined by Vince Rugari who will be providing some insights throughout the game. The gang is back together. We’re expecting a decent crowd here with fans filing in two hours before the game.Obviously, the Swans are going into this qualifying final as considerable underdogs. They are missing Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Riley Bice, James Jordon and Nick Blakey as they take on the back-to-back premiers Brisbane with a luxury of depth.It leaves the Swans with Errol Gulden to conjure up magic in the midfield, but Brisbane’s Jarrod Berry is likely to have a big say in shutting him down. The Swans do have the capacity to shock, even if it is a long shot: Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow, small forward Tom Papley and defensive midfielder James Rowbottom are not going into this game to lose.The stage is set in Sydney.Errol Gulden becomes the Swans key player today.Getty Images1 of 1