The 23-year-old has recovered from a fractured collarbone suffered earlier this month and was crowned best on ground in Footscray's VFL premiership-winning side last weekend.

Jong has been named emergency for Sunday's big dance and former Melbourne Demons star David Schwarz reckons he knows why.

Jong toured Collingwood’s facilities in July prior to his side’s round 15 win over Sydney which is believed to have riled teammates, coaches and senior staffers at the Bulldogs.

And while Jong did not violate any rules (players cannot sign with a new club before November’s trade period) Schwarz says Jong’s visit may be behind his grand final omission.

"I don't think it's hard to understand. If you've got two blokes lined up against the fence and you have to pick one of them to play in your team and one bloke you know has been over at another team having a bit of a sniff around, you're going to be going, 'No thanks,'" Schwarz told  SEN Breakfast.

"If they're 50-50, just about line-ball, you go with the one that's actually loyal.

"I'd be looking at it if I was coach and saying once that premiership team is there, that is set in concrete.

"Do I want a bloke who's going to walk out the door five minutes later or do I want a bloke who is going to stay around? If it's that close, I’m taking the bloke who is going to stay around."