Buddy boost for the Swans

Sydney welcome back the biggest name in AFL, superstar forward Lance Franklin, for their Round 2 clash against the Crows at the SCG.

Playing his first game in 581 days since the 45-point win against St Kilda in Round 23, 2019, Sydney Swans coach John Longmire expects Franklin to play his role.

“We know he hasn’t played for a while,” Longmire said.

“But we want him to play his role for our team and help us against a team which played really well last week, we know Adelaide are a really good challenge for us.”

It’s a massive inclusion for the Swans on the back of a dominating 31-point win against the Lions, having lead by as much as 50 points with six minutes remaining in the last quarter.

Rising midfielder James Rowbottom misses the clash through injury, while Adelaide defender Jake Kelly is absent from concussion.

Both teams finished 2020 in the bottom four of the ladder and took advantage of their excellent draft positions. Adelaide recruited Riley Thilthorpe, while Sydney struck gold, oil and a rich vein of diamonds all at the same time with Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden.

Errol Gulden. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Gulden (three goals, ten marks) was a star in Sydney’s stunning Round 1 win, booting three goals for the match. That included two in a stunning burst in the third quarter, and he set up another.

When finally given an opportunity to play in the midfield full-time, Callum Mills (29 disposals, two goals) carved up the hapless Lions, who had no answer.

Adelaide’s stocks are already threadbare, forced to field a significantly inexperienced side against Geelong in Round 1, while sorely missing Brad Couch and Daniel Talia.

Despite suffering numerous injuries in the first half, Taylor Walker’s five goals was enough to secure an outstanding upset win. They led by 40 points midway through the third quarter.

Rory Laird was superb in midfield (27 disposals, six tackles) and Adelaide’s underrated forward line made a huge contribution with eight goals.

Key match-ups

Taylor Walker versus Dane Rampe
Former captain Walker’s five-goal effort against the Cats was the deciding factor in an exciting match. After two barren and inconsistent years, the threat of a return to previous form will no doubt have the Swans on edge. Dane Rampe often has the job, and will rely on support from Tom McCartin and Sam Reid filling the pocket. If there’s anyone that can get the job done, it’s Dane Rampe.

(Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)

Errol Gulden versus Andrew McPherson
Errol Gulden put on a masterclass in a debut for the ages, collecting seven AFLCA votes, the Round 1 Rising Star nomination and undoubtedly two Brownlow votes. Showing composure belying his age and experience, he put the Lions to the sword, taking ten marks, booting three goals and setting up another three. McPherson plays as a small intercept defender, averaging five intercept possessions per game. If McPherson can’t put the clamps on second-gamer Gulden, it could get ugly for the Adelaide defence.

Isaac Heeney versus Tom Doedee
Impressive intercept defender Tom Doedee has played well against the Swans since his debut, including a near best afield effort in Round 5, 2018. The ground suits Adelaide’s defensive style and Doedee thrives when he can set up behind the ball. This week, his match-up is anything but orthodox, taking on Heeney fresh off a three-goal haul against the Lions. Doedee will have his work cut out, with extra responsibility thrust upon him from Kelly’s absence.

Six points
1. The Swans’ kicking in Round 1 was elite with an overall 76 per cent disposal efficiency. Jake Lloyd in particular went at 92 per cent from 24 disposals, Braeden Campbell on debut had 92 per cent from 12 disposals, Callum Mills had 86 per cent from 29 disposals, Errol Gulden on debut had 84 per cent from 19 disposals and ruckman Tom Hickey was outstanding with 83 per cent from 23 disposals. Adelaide went at 71 per cent overall with Tom Lynch the only player above 90 per cent from 17 disposals.

2. Adelaide’s threadbare defensive stocks will be stretched to the absolute maximum, facing one of the most formidable forward lines in the AFL with Lance Franklin, Tom Papley, Sam Reid, Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden. It’s a hugely experienced forward line capable of big goals, against an undermanned and inexperienced defence.

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

3. Both teams faded late in their matches, the Crows allowing the Cats to come within two goals, while Brisbane kicked three goals in the last six minutes. Whichever team is leading at the last change will be confident they can hang on for the win.

4. Both Sydney and Adelaide fielded some of the youngest teams in Round 1, and will do so again in Round 2. Sydney’s biggest contributors against the Lions were aged 26 or less, while Adelaide’s biggest contributors were Rory Laird (27), Rory Sloane (31) and Taylor Walker (30). There’s a big gap between Adelaide’s top six and bottom six.

5. Adelaide’s 58 per cent efficiency inside forward 50 against Geelong was the best for Round 1, while the Swans were ranked seventh with 49 per cent. Sydney recorded 59 inside 50s (seventh) to Adelaide’s 51 (14th).

6. Sydney recorded a phenomenal 23 marks inside 50, ten more than the seventh-ranked Adelaide Crows with 13. Another result like that and Adelaide’s undersized defence will do little to hold back the red mist.

It’s a big week for Lance Franklin, who is playing his first game since Round 23, 2019. Groin surgery, knee surgery, more groin, hamstring, knee and calf injuries have held back the superstar. Having played just 29 games since the semi-final loss to Geelong 2017, the Swans are hopeful that he can just get through the game unscathed. Goals and a decent performance would be a bonus, but Sydney can look forward to Adelaide defender Daniel Talia watching from the sidelines.

Prediction: Sydney Swans by 36 points.