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The Sydney Swans utterly dominated the Port Adelaide Power tonight, finishing the game with a 48-point advantage at Adelaide Oval.
The Swans brought some great defensive pressure and hard-running that just made them difficult to play against, they seemed to be everywhere and always have the extra man willing to lay on a pressure act.
Port couldn’t cope with the heat and the Swans were able to take advantage when they turned over the ball. They had a 12-point lead at the first change and that grew larger with every quarter that went by.
Josh Kennedy and Kieren Jack were important for the Swans with 11 and 10 clearances respectively, Kennedy had 36 touches – 18 of them contested – while Jack had 31 and kicked a goal. Lance Franklin was in fine form for the Swans too, kicking three goals, providing two goal assists, and laying eight tackles – a crucial effort.
The Swans final tackling figures of 76-52 for the night show just how superior their pressure and attack on the ball was. Kennedy (9), Franklin (8) and Kurt Tippett (8) were their leading tacklers.
Defenders Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe and Rhyce Shaw were also vital in keeping Port’s forwards at bay, they recorded 18 one-percenters between them.
The Power’s highest disposal winner was Jasper Pittard which should tell you a bit about how effective the Swans were at locking the ball in their forward half. He had 34 touches and Robbie Gray had 32. Patrick Ryder was their only multiple goalkicker with two for the night.
Simply put the Power got shown up tonight, they wilted under some excellent pressure at the contest from the Swans and just couldn’t get their game going. They’re 0-2 to start the season while the Swans are 2-0 and in good form going into the Battle of the Bridge next week.
Port Adelaide 6.8.44 def. by 14.8.92
Votes
3 – Josh P Kennedy
2 – Kieren Jack
1 – Lance Franklin
Two AFL premiership favourites go head to head on Saturday night when the Port Adelaide Power host the Sydney Swans at Adelaide Oval. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7.40pm (AEST).
Port’s first home game is a doozy. They face last year’s runners-up, fresh from an inspiring comeback win over Essendon, who have just regained the services of their co-captain.
It’s not an easy night by anyone’s standards but the Power are as likely a team as any to topple the Swans, and despite a seven-point loss to Fremantle last weekend they have made only one change to their side.
Mercurial key forward John Butcher has been omitted, and in his place ruckman Jarrad Redden is returning to footy after nearly two years watching from the sidelines. It’s been 679 days since Redden last played at AFL level and his return to the big stage will be a baptism of fire.
However, it may prove just the tonic for Port’s chances of a win. If Redden is used as Port’s main ruck, he’ll free up Paddy Ryder to move forward and help form a dangerous trio with Jay Schulz and Justin Westhoff.
Schulz kicked just a single goal last week and Westhoff was held to a single behind, but with Ryder joining them they may be able to stretch the Swans defence and get off the leash.
The Swans have made only a single change also. Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh is back in after overcoming a calf complaint, with Harry Cunningham omitted from the side to make way.
The return of McVeigh not only bolsters the level of experience in the side, but will provide the Swans with someone who can play that important rebounding defender role they’ve struggled to fill after Nick Malceski’s decision to move to the Gold Coast last October.
These two sides played out some thrilling encounters last year and the stage is set for another battle of titans. Will Port prevail or will the Swans shut the power off? I can’t wait to find out.
Prediction
This one could go right down the wire, and it’s hard to tip a winner in what should be an excellent contest. The Swans looked a little sluggish last week, despite getting the win, so I’m going to tip the Power to get up at home. Port Adelaide by six points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7.10pm local time (7.40pm AEST).