The 5.45pm WST start allows Dockers-Swans game to be broadcast into the eastern states at the regular time of 7.45pm. The Swans will fly home to Sydney after the game on an overnight flight.
The Swans have a few injury concerns after Kurt Tippett was subbed out of their semi-final win over Carlton with a right knee injury, Tom Mitchell was forced out early with an right ankle problem and Ryan O'Keefe hobbled from the ground at the final siren, also with a sore right ankle.
Ted Richards will also await the findings of the Match Review Panel to see if he's in the clear after his bump on Levi Casboult.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn and Geelong will do battle for the other Grand Final berth from 7.50pm EST on Friday night at the MCG.
Lance Franklin is in line to return from his one-match suspension, while Cyril Rioli has just days to prove his fitness and secure his spot in the team.
Geelong has a few concerns of its own, with the Match Review Panel to decide whether veteran Paul Chapman is available to play after he was reported for his heavy bump on Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray.