Sydney’s pair of tight victories have put the heat on Justin Longmuir and Fremantle to extend their club-record winning-streak to 13 in order to maintain their grip on the top of the ladder.

The Swans overcame close calls against St Kilda and Port Adelaide in consecutive weeks to put pressure on the Dockers, who are only 4.2 per cent ahead of Dean Cox’s side and host the third-placed Geelong at Optus Stadium on Thursday night.

And the New South Wales outfit are set to only get stronger, with superstar Errol Gulden one of five first-choice Swans set to be available after the bye.

The dual All-Australian has not played since round two because of a shoulder reconstruction, while Tom McCartin (concussion), Tom Papley (calf), Dane Rampe (calf) and Braeden Campbell (shin) are all closing in on returns for the Swans.

“Errol will, at this stage, look to play post-bye which is really good,” Swans coach Dean Cox said after their thrilling three-point win over the Power.

“Tommy McCartin is progressing really well, so they’re probably a couple, and then we’ll work our way through Rampe and Papley and Braeden Campbell in the weeks to come after that.”

In Fremantle’s favour is they’re also going to get stronger for their clash against the Cats — who are the only side to beat the Dockers so far in 2026.

Vice-captain and three-time reigning Doig medallist Caleb Serong is set to return from calf injury which has kept him out of the team since the round 10 win against Essendon.

Defender Brennan Cox should also be available after missing the thumping win against North Melbourne because of knee complaint, while Matt Johnson missed the Bunbury clash with hamstring soreness but is also likely to be a test to play.

And ruckman Sean Darcy looks ready for an AFL return after a pair of strong outings in the WAFL from Peel Thunder after a concussion and calf injury haltered his season after he played the opening five games.

It will put pressure on recruit Mason Cox, with the former Collingwood big man unable to cement his spot in the best 23 in Darcy’s absence giving Longmuir a welcome selection headache.

The Cats will head West with their own injury concerns that could fall in the Eagles’ favour.

Crucial defender Tom Stewart is uncertain to play because of a concussion with the veteran still one of the most important players for Chris Scott.

Meanwhile, fans will have to wait until round 18 for Fremantle and Sydney to meet in what could be an early grand final preview, with the Dockers to host the Swans at Optus Stadium on Thursday, July 9.