Roar Guru
Early premiership favourites Hawthorn find themselves outside the top eight after four rounds, while the less-fancied Sydney Swans are undefeated. Join us at 1.10pm AEST for live scores and commentary from Aurora Stadium.
The Hawks have kicked off their season with a fairly tough draw but are strengthened today with the return of Luke Hodge, Luke Breust, Grant Birchall and Paul Puopolo. The latter two will provide some much needed run out of defence.
For the Swans, it’s their best start to a season since 1998 and they will be keen to continue their present momentum.
Adam Goodes returns for the Swans after a one-week suspension, and he’ll be a valuable forward of centre route to goal.
The Swans’ number one ruckman, Shane Mumford, is still out of the team and Mark Seaby will be asked to carry the ruck load for a second consecutive week.
The Swans’ midfield has been excellent so far this season and some tough battles loom today with Josh Kennedy up against Brad Sewell while Jude Bolton will be trying to keep Sam Mitchell in check.
Hawthorn’s forward line looks intimidating, with proven talls Buddy Franklin and Jarryd Roughead backed by good ground level players in Cyril Rioli and Shaun Burgoyne.
Ted Richards is likely to stand Buddy, and the outcome of the game might well rest on that match-up. Richards has had a good season, but Buddy has a good record at Aurora Stadium.
Adam Goodes breaks the record today for the most games played for the Swans, and no doubt that will be an additional spur for the away team.
This is a tough game to tip with the in-form Swans playing a ground much larger than the SCG, and I can’t help thinking that they’ll have their work cut out keeping the Hawthorn forwards in check.
The Hawks will get their season back on track with a winning margin of less than 10 points.
Will the Swans remain unbeaten, or will the step-up in the class of the opposition hand them their first loss of 2012? Find out from 1.10pm AEST as we cover action from Launceston with live scores and a blog and if you’re watching or following along, give us your thoughts in the space below.