Predicted ins, outs and lineups for the 2024 AFL Grand Final

It's finally the week of the 2024 AFL Grand Final, and with a big few days ahead and some uncertainty surrounding selection, there's plenty to dissect for both sides.

The Swans could be without their captain as he pushes to return from injury, while another concern surrounding a prized forward is also set to play a part this week.

Brisbane have their own issues too, with a forced change on the way after a ruckman's shoulder setback.

Here's how we predict both sides will line up for Saturday's mouth-watering clash at the MCG.

Sydney

The Swans have two looming decisions, one surrounding their skipper Callum Mills as he looks to race the clock to be fit in time for Saturday's match.

A minor hamstring strain ruled the defender-midfielder hybrid out of last week's preliminary final 10 days out from the game, with Mills having since pressed his case to remain in the mix.

A training block over the weekend did his chances no harm, but it could take until Thursday before a call is made on the Swans captain.

If he's cleared to return it will mostly likely be his replacement, Robbie Fox, who will be the unfortunate omission from John Longmire's side. It'd be unlikely for Mills to take the sub role from Fox, with youngster Braeden Campbell a potential option to start on the bench after a quiet outing against the Power and his heroics in the club's win over GWS earlier this month.

The Swans' selection attention will be split with forward Logan McDonald picking up an ankle injury that forced him to be subbed out of the win over Port Adelaide. Early signs are positive for McDonald and his rolled ankle, which isn't expected to rule the key forward out of facing the Lions barring any late setbacks.

If McDonald is forced to miss, fringe ruck-forward Peter Ladhams is a strong chance, with swingman options Aaron Francis and Joel Hamling the others in the key position pecking order.

Francis, Ladhams and Caiden Cleary were named as the emergencies for the Swans' last game, with the latter the most likely to make way in the extended squad for Fox's omission, meaning Taylor Adams might not be sighted altogether for the second straight week.

Ins: Callum Mills
Outs: Robbie Fox

FB: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Nick Blakey
HB: Jake Lloyd, Lewis Melican, Oliver Florent
C: Justin McInerney, Chad Warner, Errol Gulden
HF: Luke Parker, Logan McDonald, James Jordon
FF: Tom Papley, Joel Amartey, Will Hayward
FO: Brodie Grundy, Isaac Heeney, James Rowbottom
I/C: Matthew Roberts, Callum Mills, Hayden McLean, Harry Cunningham
SUB: Braeden Campbell

EMERG: Peter Ladhams, Robbie Fox, Aaron Francis

Brisbane

The Lions are facing an unfortunate but thankfully straightforward selection call for the grand final following Oscar McInerney's shoulder injury on Saturday.

The ailment is set to see the Brisbane big man miss out on a potential premiership, with second-string ruckman Darcy Fort the obvious inclusion in his place. It would mean Fort comes into Chris Fagan's side just the third time in 2024 and the first since Round 7.

After Fagan was forced to choose between Jack Payne and Darcy Gardiner this time last year, the Lions coach shouldn't have any 50-50 decisions after a strong fightback against Geelong over the weekend.

Harry Sharp and Darragh Joyce joined Fort as the emergencies for the trip down to Victoria last week and could hold their spots to be on standby for this year's decider, with utility Bruce Reville likely back from a minor hamstring concern and could also join the extended squad.

With Fort moving into the senior side, one of Brandon Ryan or Henry Smith could be called on to be named as part of the travelling group.

Irishman Conor McKenna is proving to be a reliable tactical sub option for the Queenslanders and should retain his role.

Ins: Darcy Fort
Outs: Oscar McInerney

FB: Dayne Zorko, Harris Andrews, Brandon Starcevich
HB: Darcy Wilmot, Jack Payne, Ryan Lester
C: Jaspa Fletcher, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry
HF: Cameron Rayner, Joe Daniher, Zac Bailey
FF: Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood, Kai Lohmann
FO: Darcy Fort, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale
I/C: Callum Ah Chee, Will Ashcroft, Logan Morris, Noah Answerth
SUB: Conor McKenna