A blockbuster with major ramifications for how the top four will shape up is here as the Sydney Swans host Hawthorn. We’ll have live scores from 4.40pm AEST.
The winner of this one will have a golden path to the minor premiership. They’ll only have to win their game next week to confirm it.
Beyond that, it could give us an insight into what could happen in finals footy. Both clubs appear to be genuine premiership contenders.
Simply put, this is a huge game.
Last week the Swans registered an 82-point win over the Western Bulldogs. It was a strong response to their loss against Collingwood a week earlier.
Adam Goodes showed signs he’s returning to form with 22 disposals and three goals against the Dogs. Josh Kennedy had 34 touches, while Mike Pyke and Shane Mumford also had three goals.
The Hawks had a comfortable win themselves, beating the Gold Coast Suns by 64 points.
Luke Hodge and Brad Sewell both had 35 disposals and Jack Gunston had four goals. David Hale and Jarryd Roughead were also influential.
The Hawks look set to finally welcome back Lance Franklin, with Sam Mitchell and Josh Gibson also returning. The Swans have made no changes.
Earlier this year, Sydney upset Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium in a 37-point win. But the Swans are a known threat now, so we can expect a more focused Hawthorn outfit this afternoon.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Apart from one five-goal game, GWS forward Toby Greene has only kicked six goals from the other eight games. He's traditionally had success against the Western Bulldogs.
Bayley Fritsch should become an even more important player from a structural perspective, given key forward Jacob van Rooyen will be unavailable due to concussion.
Tom Hawkins returns to familiar surroundings of Geelong - but is it the tonic he needs to regain some of his confidence back after a goalless four games.
Jeremy Finlayson should be a welcome addition to the Port Adelaide forward line after kicking four goals in the SANFL last week.
Last, year in the second showdown, Adelaide destroyed Port by 47 points with a staggering 20 marks inside 50 with Tex Walker the main star.
There’s no disputing that Cam Guthrie will be important against Melbourne, given Patrick Dangerfield is set to miss due to injury.
