SYDNEY has lost young defender Lewis Melican for its crunch elimination final against Essendon at the SCG.
Melican has withdrawn from the Swans final 22 with a tight quad, with speedy midfielder Harry Cunningham his replacement.
Swans senior assistant coach Stuart Dew told the club's website Melican would be missed against the Bombers.
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"It is a little unfortunate for Lewis as he has worked hard to get his spot in the side this season but he just didn't get up for the game," Dew said.
"When it is Harry up against a couple of others (for selection) we go with him because he can play down back, wing or up forward, so he versatile."
The late change leaves Dane Rampe and Heath Grundy as the home side's sole key defensive options, with the pair to take on tall Bombers Joe Daniher and James Stewart inside the back 50.
Cunningham played in the Swans' big win over Carlton in the last game of the regular season, his first match since round nine because of a foot injury, and also featured in the club's NEAFL win last week, but initially lost his place when Dan Hannebery and Tom Papley returned for the clash with Essendon.
His pace will be crucial for the Swans who struggled to match the Bombers for leg speed when the teams last met in round 14.
Saturday, September 9
Sydney v Essendon at the SCG, 4.20pm AEST
LATE CHANGES
Sydney: Lewis Melican (quad) replaced in the selected side by Harry Cunningham
Essendon: Nil
FINAL INTERCHANGES
Sydney: Dean Towers, Nic Newman, George Hewett, Harry Cunningham
Essendon: David Zaharakis, David Myers, Travis Colyer, Conor McKenna
