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The Sydney Swans all but locked in a top four spot on Sunday with a 97-point win over St Kilda in Adam Schneider’s last AFL game.
>>MATCH REPORT: Swans swoop into top four with win over Saints
St Kilda 4.14.38 def. by Sydney 20.15.135
The Sydney Swans will hope to maintain their form going into the AFL finals when they face the St Kilda Saints at Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:20pm (AEST).
The Saints proved last week that they are willing to give every side they face a run for their money towards the back end of the season despite being in the midst of their rebuilding phase.
Their admirable drive only saw them come away with a draw last time around, but they will be looking to be a larger thorn in the side of a refreshed Sydney team this week.
A loss here could be costly for the Swans and their second chance hopes come finals time, as they are currently only a win in front of Richmond in fifth.
With that in mind, it is an important game for Sydney, and they will know not to underestimate their 13th placed opponents. Coming off a season-high score and win against Greater Western Sydney, the Swans will be confident that they can put a good foot forward towards securing that top-four position.
On top of that, Sydney have dominated this fixture of late, winning six of their last seven encounters against the Saints, including the last four. However, the Saints won the only game of the last five between the two that was played at Etihad Stadium.
It is also the second week in a row that St Kilda will be playing against a higher placed side at Etihad Stadium that has dominated them in recent years, and they should be boosted mentally having pushed Geelong to the wire last week.
There are a few key inclusions this week for both sides.
Recent retiree Adam Schneider comes in for his final game of AFL football alongside Sean Dempster and Dylan Roberton in the starting 22, as well as Tom Simpkin and David Armitage who were named on an extended bench.
Lance Franklin, who kicked nine goals last time against the Saints, comes back into the side with Gary Rohan in the Swans’ starting 22, and Tom Mitchell named on the extended bench.
These changes add a good mix of experience and flair to the game, which should make for some good contests.
Prediction
I said the same thing about St Kilda’s opponents last week, and I will dare to say it again – this game means too much for the Swans for them to lose. Their hardworking midfield and potent forward line should prove too much for the Saints, but expect a good fight.
Swans by 29 points
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:20pm (AEST).
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