Friday night footy heads to the Harbour City, as the Sydney Swans host the struggling Carlton Blues at the SCG. Join The Roar for live commentary and scores from 7:50pm (AEST).
Sydney’s had some home-ground woes this season, no doubt. They lost their first several matches at the SCG, before breaking through for an important win at the venue against Freo a fortnight ago.
Looking wider, they’ve won their last three, and given their current form, Carlton shouldn’t be a major challenge.
The Blues will be hoping to change that, but the odds are stacked against them. They’re the lowest scoring team this year, last on the ladder, and are coming off the back of two losses – among them a 109-point thrashing against Melbourne.
If we strip away form, history and odds, you can look at the 44 on the field. One man – Lance Franklin – epitomises dominance over the Blues, booting ten goals in their last match-up. He’s part of a tantalisingly good forward line, paired with small forwards Will Hayward and Ben Ronke.
Carlton will have to be well served by the likes of Patrick Cripps, and the Curnow brothers if they’re any chance of winning. Cripps will be up against the premier Swans midfield – Josh Kennedy especially – in what should be a good miniature battle, even if the war will be tough for his side.
The Swans have made a duo of changes, with Tom McCartin omitted and small forward Tom Papley managed. Gary Rohan and Nic Newman are back in the side for the clash.
Carlton’s made a single change, booting Harry McKay back to the seconds, and promoting Jack Silvangi back into the side – the latter fresh off a stint of VFL midfield time.
Prediction
The Swans are too irresistible to even contemplate tipping against. Let’s hope Carlton make it a good contest, though.
Sydney by 63 points
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 1:10pm (AEST).
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
No problem. Hope you have a good weekend. Do something fun. Like .... well I dunno. Watch more footy?
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Thanks for the call, AD.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me tonight, everybody. Been good blogging in your company.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Sydney have shrug off a determined Carlton side, largely dominating after the main break to run out 30 point winners on a Friday night at the SCG. The first quarter - far from the expectations of many pundits - started very much in Carlton’s favour. They slammed home the first two goals of the game, skipping out to a thirteen point lead within about five minutes. The Swans, sluggish at times, seemed caught of guard by the Blues early rally, but expectantly they steadied and booted three of their own (the Blues adding one more) to lead by a slim four points at the first break. As the second quarter began, it was the Blues who began looking sluggish, allowing the Swans the bulk of early play and the home team took advantage: they booted the first of the term through Heeney, and kept a consistent lead for the first half. The Blues, though, began to look lively, and eventually broke through for two quick goals (including Silvagni’s second) meant they jumped into a one point lead. The Swans fought back, Heeney scoring, but the Blues were determined to take the lead into the break, and that they did. They had the narrowest possible margin, and plenty of optimism. Unfortunately, the third term will be tough to reflect positively on in the Bluebagger’s camp. The Blues had plenty of the ball, and plenty of opportunity, but they squandered opportunity after opportunity - at one stage, they had mustered four consecutive behinds compared to five goals for the Swans. A deficit of 27 points at the final break was disappointing, given how good the Blues had been. Sydney, though, were better. The final term was all Sydney, save for a trio of late goals for the Blues. Sydney added three of their own to solidify a 30 point victory, albeit one that came tougher than they'd have expected. Carlton, despite the loss, will be ecstatic with their fine first half performance, and the performances of Sam Kerridge and Kade Simpson (29 and 27 touches respectively). Young Jack Silvagni collected 14 touches and two goals in a good performance, although he dropped off after the main break. Charlie Curnow also added two majors, whilst his brother in Ed accumulated 23 touches and a fine goal of his own. Sydney were very well served by Kennedy, Lloyd and Isaac Heeney (the latter of which won the Goodes-O'Loughlin medal), whilst Franklin booted three goals and Sinclair (excellent performance, two majors and 22 disposals) was also integral this evening. Carlton have the bye next week, allowing them to regroup, before facing Freo in Round 12. Sydney face a struggling St Kilda next Saturday. Sydney: 13.13 (91) Carlton: 9.7 (61)
Macca
Guest
Not too unhappy with that, 5 goals to nothing in the third and we lose by 5 goals, just not strong enough to maintain it for 4 quarters against a good side. Lots of little positives and there are plenty of players due back just after the bye.
Birdman
Guest
Leckie gets a second and the Socceroos go 3 -0 up. Truth be told this Czech side is pretty ordinary
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
What, apart from the 13 they kicked tonight?
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Pretty certain I nominated that one for the round.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
He’ll always be Apollo Creed to me.
XI
Roar Guru
What about the Good Friday game?
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
There's the final siren. It's Sydney by a straight 30 points. Sydney: 13.13 (91) Carlton: 9.7 (61)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL SYDNEY The siren's gone, but Hayward will send a tough goal through the big posts after being 'legged' in the goal square. Sydney: 13.13 (91) Carlton: 9.7 (61)
User
Roar Rookie
We can move onto Carl weathers is action Jackson by then rick ;)
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Oh! You're right, I misread the fixtures. So used to the first game listed being Friday night games!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
GOAL CARLTON That's a great goal from Ed Curnow, and he's brought the deficit back under 30 points. Sydney: 12.13 (85) Carlton: 9.7 (61)
User
Roar Rookie
Next two are port v Richmond then Syd v wce. Wce v ESS is a Thursday night game.
Aw
Guest
Can someone bloody teach the swans how to kick a frigging goal. This is pathetic
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Probably not, but we can talk about Chuck Norris movies.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Port v Richmond next week should be good. Port v Bulldogs in two weeks will be a meh game. WC v Essendon might be a bit of both.
User
Roar Rookie
Can we all get excited for next two weeks of Friday night footy