FREMANTLE has suffered a blow ahead of the qualifying final against the Sydney Swans at Domain Stadium with Luke McPharlin one of two late changes for the Dockers.

McPharlin was withdrawn with calf soreness just 90 minutes before the match and will miss his third consecutive final after failing to play in either of the Dockers' two finals last year.

His experience down back will be a big loss, but given the Swans are missing star forward Lance Franklin, his absence will be easier to cover for the rest of Fremantle's defence.

Key forward Matt Taberner has been omitted with wet weather expected to hit Domain Stadium during the match.

Tendai Mzungu and Clancee Pearce have come into the Dockers' line up with Pearce starting as the sub.

The Swans will go in as selected with Zak Jones starting in the green vest.