Return looms for Swans firestarter in AFL top-two clash

Papley's possible inclusion will be a massive boost for the second-placed Swans, who are unlikely to regain key forward Logan McDonald.

McDonald was one of four casualties following the club's round-16 loss to Brisbane, joined by fellow tall Joel Amartey (Achilles), defender Sam Wicks (hamstring) and ruck Pete Ladhams (groin).

Despite six overall changes due to injury and form, the Swans took care of the Western Bulldogs by 35 points at the SCG to tighten their grip on a top-two finish.

The club were also hopeful Braeden Campbell would line up against Fremantle, but Cox admits the forward is still underdone.

Campbell has not played at AFL level this season due to a shin stress fracture.

"They (Papley, Campbell) both had a big session this morning so they got through that which is great to see," Cox said after the Bulldogs win.

"It'll be a discussion about Tom. He's done everything he needs to do to put his name in.

"It's just about how quickly you bring these players back into the team. Hopefully he's done enough that he can warrant selection."

Sydney and Fremantle are clear frontrunners in the premiership race, with the Dockers two games ahead of the league before the start of round 17.

Cox said he had already turned his mind to preparing for next Thursday's smash-and-grab mission even before the Bulldogs clash.

Sydney have dominated Fremantle at the WA venue in previous meetings, winning four straight Optus Stadium visits dating back to 2022.

"They are the benchmark team and the footy they're playing is balanced in all phases," Cox said of Fremantle.

"And it's a difficult task going over to Fremantle, but we've played well over there previously.

"It's a challenge we can't wait for. We've done a bit of homework on them already with the short break that we have.

"We've got to make sure that we still need to improve if we want to beat them."