We take a look at the key talking points ahead of Saturday afternoon's crucial clash against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium.
The Sydney stoush
All eyes will be on Spotless Stadium when the Swans take on GWS in the eighth instalment of the Sydney derby.
Plenty is on the line for both sides with the Swans fighting for a top four spot while Giants’ task is simply do-or-die.
The Western Bulldogs, equal on points but with a healthier percentage in fourth spot, aren’t going away and are threatening to steal the prized double chance away from the fifth-placed Swans.
The Giants’ hopes for a maiden finals appearance were dealt a massive blow by Port Adelaide last weekend, a spot in the eight seemingly lost unless Leon Cameron’s men can win all three remaining home and away rounds plus rely on other results.
Parks’ season is still alive
Scans over the weekend confirmed Luke Parker had suffered a fractured fibula in Friday night’s clash with Collingwood, but the tough on-baller wasn’t completely ruled out from playing again in 2015.
Swans coach John Longmire is remaining optimistic after the reigning Club Champion underwent an operation to insert a plate in his foot. There’s minimal tendon damage which means Parker could be back after just four weeks and play a part in the Swans’ finals campaign.
Longmire conceded that’s the “best-case scenario” but backed his star midfielder to the tilt.
Parker’s injury is a blow for the Swans in the short term however with Jeremy Laidler, Isaac Heeney, Gary Rohan and Dan Robinson (NEAFL) all pulling up sore after an injury-riddled Friday at the SCG.
Luke Parker is stretchered from the field after breaking his ankle against Collingwood last round.
Door opens for Jones, Towers
Luke Parker’s stint on the sidelines opens an opportunity for another midfielder to step up while Jeremy Laidler’s injury cloud means a spot for a defender is up for grabs.
Zak Jones and Dean Towers will be first in line with both coming off best-on-ground performances in Friday’s NEAFL curtain-raiser against Gold Coast. Jones gathered 31 possessions while Towers – 29 possessions and two goals – also stood out.
Jones was omitted from the senior squad in the lead up to Round 20 while Towers hasn’t played a senior game since Round 15.
That might change, however, depending on the availability of Lance Franklin and Ben McGlynn who are recovering from respective injuries.
Dean Towers is just one player in line for a recall to the senior side for Saturday's clash agaisnt the Giants.
Teddy to Cameron
Ted Richards kept Collingwood spearhead Travis Cloke to just one goal in Friday night’s win.
On Saturday, the veteran will more than likely have another big task ahead of him up against GWS’s Jeremy Cameron who sits second behind West Coast’s Josh Kennedy in the race for the Coleman Medal.
Richards is an equipped opponent to handle Cameron, with the 248-gamer keeping the 70-gamer to two goals when the Swans defeated GWS by 21 points at the SCG in Round 3.
As the saying goes, there’s always strength in numbers so look for the likes of Heath Grundy, Dane Rampe and Nick Smith to peel off and give Richards a hand from time to time given Cameron’s capabilities.
Ted Richards had a strong performance against Travis Cloke last Friday night at the SCG.
