Sydney have taken a considerable gamble for Friday night’s preliminary final clash against Fremantle, with wingman Justin McInerney set to return for his first AFL game in more than three months.

However, there is no room for out-of-contract tall forward Joel Amartey, with coach Dean Cox confirming they will stick with the same forward line from their shock qualifying final victory against Brisbane less than a fortnight ago.

McInerney has not played since the round 13 win against St Kilda because of a serious hamstring injury, putting a sudden halt to what appeared to be an All-Australian berth.

Despite the lack of match fitness, Cox confirmed the 26-year-old would be named to take on the Dockers.

“Justin will play and Joel won’t. That’s just the decision we had to make,” he said.

“Obviously our forward line functioned really well with the way it was set up the first time (this finals series). We understand Fremantle’s defence and how strong they are in that aspect of the ground, and it’s on all our players, certainly in our front half, to try to nullify and kick a score that we need.

“Obviously with Justin, he’s had a lot of work put in throughout this period of time, and now it’s a matter of backing him in.”

Cox also confirmed they were sweating on the fitness of veteran midfielder Harry Cunningham, who is battling a calf issue.

Fremantle have chosen not to take any risks at the selection table, leaving key back Brennan Cox in Perth to play for Peel Thunder in the WAFL grand final despite recovering from a calf injury he sustained in the round 24 defeat to Carlton.

The Dockers have brought the same 23 to Sydney that beat Geelong in the semifinal last weekend. At the same time, veteran midfielder Jaeger O’Meara and speedy forward Chris Scerri were part of the 25-man travelling squad.

Despite being the favourites to beat Sydney, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was quick to take on the underdogs tag.

Cox wouldn’t buy into any talk about who was the team to beat headed into the contest.

“At this time of the year both teams have a lot to play for,” he said.

“From our perspective, it is a home prelim. It is one we’re excited about, and there’s a best chance to put your foot forward and play in a grand final.

“It is a massive game for both clubs. We’re under no illusion and one we’re really excited about.”

As a former West Coast champion, Cox is more familiar with most at taking on Fremantle but denied there would be any extra satisfaction in beating his former arch-rivals.

“What you do is you play each side on their merits. Yeah, I’ve played a lot of footy against Fremantle, but once I am in this position, my role is to make sure that I’m preparing this group as well as we possibly can be prepared,” he said.

“We’re playing a team that is in great form.

“I’ve been here nine years now. My focus is on making sure that I can do whatever I can to get this team wherever it needs to.”