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It’s 1 vs 2 tonight with top spot on the line, it’s that simple. The Sydney Swans and Hawthorn Hawks will do battle in a thursday night blockbuster, extending an already fierce rivalry in the modern game. Follow all the live highlights and action from 7:20pm (AEST) on The Roar.
Three-time defending champions Hawthorn hold four points at the top of the AFL, but in what is one of the tightest top eight equations in recent memory, that lead can very quickly turn sour.
There is just one game (4 points) that separates the second-placed Swans, and the eighth-placed Kangaroos, meaning every win and loss can quite literally send any side four or five spots in any direction.
The Hawks have solidified themselves as strong premiership favourites as other sides slip over mid season road bumps, they’ve won their last seven games on the trott, with their last loss coming in Round 9 to, you guessed it, the Swans.
Sydney hold that win over the Hawks this year, winning a typically epic 14-point game over their fellow 2014 and 2012 Grand Finalists.
The Swans have turned the SCG into a fortress this year, winning six of seven games at their home ground this year, while the Hawks have lost three of their last four at the venue.
Team News
The Swans have made just the solitary change, bringing in Ben McGlynn from the NEAFL after some white hot form for the Swans reserve side. James Rose will make way for McGlynn, heading down to reserves himself for this week.
Joining Rose will be young Isaac Heeney, who has been left out for another week in favour of the more experienced McGlynn. Heeney was rested last week after a dip in form but the 20-year old was expected to return this week.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson has made three changes to his line up.
A hamstring injury to Liam Shiels is the only forced changed for Clarkson’s men, with the Victorian expected to miss up to a month.
In a big return, Brendan Whitecross will play his first AFL game in over a year, having recovered from back to back knee reconstructions in early 2015.
John O’Rourke and Angus Litherland have also been awarded a spot in the side at the expense of Daniel Howe and Billy Hartung, the former battling a calf niggle.
Prediction
This could very well be the game of the year outside of the finals. Two of the biggest and best sides in the comp with plenty of recent history to build from. It’s top of table AFL footy.
Hawthorn are probably the better side at the moment, with a string of big wins to their name, but if they had a kryptonite, it would be the Swans.
Sydney have stumbled here and there this season, but have a good run against the Hawks at home, and in the last couple of seasons.
I’m nearly tempted to say draw, but I think the Swans can sneak home in front of a rabid home crowd.
Swans to win by 3
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