Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos says the injury-hit Western Bulldogs should be thankful controversial ex-forward Jason Akermanis is not available for Saturday's elimination semi-final at the MCG.
After confirming full-forward Daniel Bradshaw and Ben McGlynn would return to the Sydney line-up, the normally reserved Roos took a veiled swipe at the divisive Akermanis.
Akermanis was sacked last month after the club tired off his inflammatory comments.
"It's lucky for them, not lucky for us," Roos said when asked if Akermanis' absence was proving costly to the Bulldogs.
"The way he's carrying on at the moment; it's lucky for them he's not at that footy club."
Turning his attention to his own side for what may be his last match in charge, Roos is adamant there is no risk associated with using Bradshaw and McGlynn in such a high-pressure match.
Bradshaw has not played since Round 9 while McGlynn has been out for a month.
Paul Bevan and Jesse White have been left out to cater for the duo's return.
"Providing they get through training and train well, we don't see there's much of a risk at all," Roos said.
"Braddy's played the last two games (in the reserves) so from an injury point of view we're not concerned about it," Roos said.
"You go back to the start of the year and his actual preparation going into this game is a lot better than what it was going into Round 1."
"Benny's only been out three weeks and of that time he's been running the last week."
"It's certainly not the time to take any risks and we won't do that."
Roos remains unconcerned over the Swans' third-quarter fade-out against Carlton in last weekend's elimination final, the Blues kicking five unanswered goals before Sydney rallied to close out the game and keep their season alive.
Roos said: "I don't think you ever expect to go through four quarters and dominate a game."
"It's not a cause for concern."