The Sydney Swans have coasted to an easy 71-point win over the St Kilda Saints on Saturday night.
Final score
St Kilda Saints 7.13.55
Sydney Swans 19.12.126
The final game of Saturday’s trio will be played in Melbourne, as a struggling St Kilda Saints host the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live commentary and scores from 7:25pm AEST.
This shapes as an intriguing contest. The Saints’ year, once looking so promising, has eventuated into anything but.
They haven’t won since their Round 1 win, have drawn with GWS and lost everything else. That doesn’t bode well for them, given Sydney’s recent record against them.
However, despite the string of defeats, they have shown improved form lately – including periods of dominance against the premiers a fortnight ago, and surprising West Coast with a powerful surge late last week.
Sydney’s record has been a lot better – they’re sitting 8-3, but it’s impossible to say they’re at their best.
They’ve won their last two – over Carlton and the Lions – but neither victory was dominant, which might be giving their opposition some hope tonight.
The Saints’ midfield has nothing on the Swans – even though the Swans’ hasn’t been at their dominant best of late.
Jack Steven has been admirable lately, and youngster Ed Phillips has shown signs, but Sydney’s mids including Isaac Heeney and Dan Hannebery will outclass them.
Both teams have made changes aplenty. The Saints have sensationally dropped Jack Billings, while also omitting Brandon White and Rowan Marshall. Pressingly, they’ve also lost skipper Jarryn Gearry.
Nathan Brown, Luke Dunstan, Josh Battle and Nick Coffield return to the side.
Sydney has rested Kieren Jack, and omitted youngsters Nic Newman and Ryley Stoddart. Tom McCartin, Tom Papley and Daniel Robinson return.
Prediction
Sydney’s won the past eight clashes against the Saints – regularly smashing them in contests that are supposed to be close encounters.
I’m not expecting this one to be that close, though, and Sydney – by all conventional logic – should win.
Logic isn’t always the barometer for success in this game, however, and the Saints have shown improved form. Still, though, the Swans to win.
Sydney by 21 points
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 7:25pm AEST.
Nigel
Guest
Looking forward to this game against the Swans going to be a cracker
User
Roar Rookie
Yes with their first round rotcod, I wasn't talking a straight trade just answering if I'd have billings at wce.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Apparently he knew Kaiden Brand would keep him out of a regular game.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Why would they?
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Gaff for Billings, don't make me laugh. Plus a first round pick , maybe
anon
Roar Pro
The back office staff don't seem to have the guts to sack coaches any more. Richardson not cut out to coach.
Aw
Guest
1st half pretty happy. 2nd half disappointing
XI
Roar Guru
Thanks for the call, AD. Hope the main blockbuster of the round lives up to the hype for you.
User
Roar Rookie
If gaff did want out then maybe. Hawks would be a good fit for billings imo
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I doubt there'd be so far ahead by the end of the game next week, either.
Aw
Guest
They had the opportunity to go for the throat and they couldnt do that. They wont want to ease up next week
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I'm not necessarily sure he'd be the only coach they should sack, but he should definitely be the the first.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
thanks AD - have a good one too
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Damian Burke on ABC radio calling for Benny Dixon's sacking as the Saints' goalkicking coach - fair enough I reckon
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Jebus. You're a hard man to please.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining me tonight. Catch me again on Monday for the Queen's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. See you then, and let's hope that games is a cracker. Enjoy the long weekend, everybody!
Aw
Guest
39 points in 2nd half Swans?!! Not good enough. Stil nowhere near the level of the top 3 teams
Birdman
Roar Rookie
hard marker Aw - Syds continue to be road warriors this year
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
At the very least, the Saints dispelled an even bigger loss with some encouraging last quarter play - matching the Swans, booting three goals to the Sydney's three. Nonetheless, it's annoying even tying that - given how bad they were for much of the night. Sydney face the Eagles next Friday - that'll be a cracker - whilst the Saints face the equally awful Suns in what could be a very bad game this time next week. St Kilda: 7.13 (55) Sydney: 19.12 (126)
Aw
Guest
Yep not good enough from the swans