Errol Gulden left everything out there and Tom Papley looked like he was going to tear Fremantle apart before injury struck in a brave Swans performance.

Foxfooty.com.au rates all 23 Sydney players out of 10 from its preliminary final loss to Fremantle.

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2. Hayden McLean

Not as effective as he can be forward of the ball. Chopped out in the ruck, but overall, below his best. 4

4. Brodie Grundy

An intriguing matchup with Luke Jackson. Grundy was quiet early but responded to pretty well nullify his superstar counterpart. Big mark in the defensive goalsquare in the second term seemed to get Grundy going. Jason Dunstall noted at half-time it was an “enthralling battle” but neither was having a “telling impact.” You’d still probably give the points to Jackson. 6

6. Logan McDonald

Reputation is rising. A strong night from the rising forward, who kicked a game-high three goals after a bag of six against Brisbane two weeks ago. Looked dangerous early and would’ve been celebrated as one of Sydney’s heroes had it gotten over the line. “Logan McDonald is fast becoming one of the best young key forwards,” Jack Riewoldt said. The best key forward on the night for either side and Sydney’s highest-rated player. 7

8. James Rowbottom

All heart and simply enormous defensively. A brilliant defensive passage with multiple tackle efforts led to a crucial Angus Sheldrick goal in the third term in a trademark moment. “It’s plays that win you prelims — unbelievable defensive play!,” David King said. Finished with 14 touches and seven tackles but went at just 42 per cent disposal efficiency. 7

9. Jesse Dattoli

Led hard to service and create space for the likes of Logan McDonald and Charlie Curnow but not enough impact. 3

11. Tom Papley

Played with captain energy and set the standards for his teammates with elite defensive pressure. Kicked Sydney’s second goal — and didn’t it energise his side?! “You can’t leave him — it’s as simple as that!” David King said afterwards. Looked like he was going to tear Fremantle apart at times. But came from the ground with a knee injury concern in the third term and struggled to get involved when he returned. Had Judd McVee for company in what looked like was going to be a long night for the Dockers defender early. 6

12. Angus Sheldrick

Did his usual work in the trenches. Big-time snap goal in the third term when Fremantle started to push. Laid six tackles but only 12 disposals and one clearance in 65 per cent game time. Sydney’s second-highest rated player. 5

13. Jai Serong

Again filled a midfield role with 23 disposals to go with six tackles but went at just 34 per cent disposal efficiency. We’ll give him some let off for that in a scrappy game in a pretty good night for the recruit. Imagine if someone told you a year ago Jai Serong would be playing as a pure midfielder in a preliminary final? The ex-Hawk has come a long way. 6

15. Sam Wicks

Some questionable defensive moments and sloppy ball use. Not his best night. 4

16. Braeden Campbell

Nailed Sydney’s first goal with a brilliant snap after consecutive Freo majors to start the game. Not a heap of impact thereafter, ending with 13 touches and five tackles. 5

Suspended Swans expected for pre-season | 00:53

21. Errol Gulden

Tried his heart out as Sydney’s best. Gulden left everything out there in a big night through the midfield. But he missed his usual star running partners in what felt like a one-man show at times against Freo’s star-studded group. Sydney’s main ball winner and playmaker and always took great mileage with his disposal. Racked up game-highs in disposals (36), tackles (eight) and metres gained (766) “One of the few mids out there able to find genuine space. Freo hasn’t put a lot of time into him and are happy to let him roam far and wide,” Jason Dunstall said at half-time. Very close to a nine. 8

24. Dane Rampe

Strong all night in defence including stints on Patrick Voss when the Dockers forward was well held. The stand-in skipper marshalled Sydney’s back six brilliantly across the first three quarters, before that defence broke down. Curiously spent a key chunk of the fourth term on the bench. Could it be the last time we see the 36-year old? 7

25. Billy Cootee

Worked hard all night and played with the right intent but minimal impact overall. 3

27. Justin McInerney

Some baptism of fire getting thrown back in for a prelim. Kicked a huge, energy-lifting goal in the second term that lit up the SCG. But, as expected, below his best in limited time on ground in his return from a hamstring injury. Ended with 14 touches and a goal. 5

29. Joel Hamling

Defines one percenters. Defended well all night and provided great coverage for his teammates and shut down Jye Amiss at times. “He’s not about kicks, marks and handballs, he is just about stopping one of those big key forwards,” Jack Riewoldt said. Hamling took a game-high four intercept marks and did his bit. 6

30. Tom McCartin

Did everything he could in defence. Completely owned Josh Treacy, who was goalless for just the third time this season, in one of the star forward’s most quiet performances you can recall. McCartin also produced game-highs in intercepts (11), one percenters (10) and spoils (nine). 8

32. Harry Kyle

Part of a Swans defence that barely let up all night… until that fourth quarter capitulation. Had seven intercepts — the second-most of any Swan. 6

Cox rues missed chances in Freo defeat | 09:52

33. Caiden Cleary

Played with a great defensive edge including a big tackle on Matt Johnson in the opening term. Nailed a cracking goal from a tight angle in the second term, too. Handy role player. 6

34. Matt Roberts

Gathered 17 disposals across the wing and defence in a solid enough night. 5

35 Charlie Curnow

An almost night for the star recruit but never really got going. Curnow didn’t hit the scoreboard like he can, but played an important role structurally by putting himself in good spots. Massive mark and goal in the third term that separated the game. Needed a few more big moments like that. 5

40. Tom Hanily

Played his role by putting great heat on the ball in the first half — where he laid four tackles — but quiet in the second half. 5

43. Lewis Melican

Stood mighty tall in defence and blanketed Patrick Voss for the majority of the night. That included the Dockers forward recording just one disposal in the first half. 6

44. Jake Lloyd

Found plenty of the ball with 21 touches and over 500 metres gained. Lloyd was diligent defensively in a solid night for the veteran. 6