Why a Swans preliminary final win over Fremantle could avoid some blushes for the AFL

Well, here we are. Spring has sprung, the weather’s improving, and we’re down to the pointy end of the AFL season. It’s time for Scoop in September to shine.

There’s so much news about in the world of AFL. The preliminary finals are on the horizon. After that, it’ll be grand final week, kicking off, of course, with all the glitz and glamour of Brownlow Medal night.

For the 14 clubs out of the premiership race, the planning for season 2027 is in full swing with post-season wakes, retirements, delistings and trade talk dominating the discourse.

Scott Pendlebury is heading north to the Suns, Zak Butters has declared his desire to join the Western Bulldogs, but a deal still has to be negotiated, and the Kangaroos are starting their search for a new senior coach after the brutal sacking of Alastair Clarkson.

It all means there’s plenty of news about for our resident scoop, Sam McClure. This is his column; a place for all the news, training whispers, views and behind-the-scenes intel he can dig up from the busiest time of year on the AFL calendar.