SUMMARY
The Swans will be keen to get back on track against the Blues after their third single-figure loss for the year against Hawthorn last week, and should be fresh coming off a nine-day break. Carlton haven't beaten the Bloods since 2011 but the return of key forward Levi Casboult from suspension at least adds some marking power to their forward line. Youngster Jacob Weitering spent some time playing in the forward half last week but he's likely to get first crack at Swans superstar Lance Franklin on Saturday afternoon, and the teenager will be counting on getting plenty of help from fellow defenders Sam Docherty, Simon White and Kade Simpson. Franklin went goalless for the first time since round six last year against the Hawks and lost his lead in the Coleman Medal, so it could be a tough day for the Blues.
Lance Franklin has had big days against Carlton since becoming a Swan. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday, July 23, 1.45pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2016, Sydney Swans 20.11 (131) d Carlton 10.11 (71) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2015, Sydney Swans 19.8 (122) d Carlton 9.8 (62) at the SCG
R17, 2014, Sydney Swans 18.14 (122) d Carlton 7.9 (51) at the SCG
Semi-final, 2013, Sydney Swans 13.8 (86) d Carlton 8.14 (62) at ANZ Stadium
R14, 2013, Sydney Swans 8.17 (65) d Carlton 5.13 (43) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Star Swans forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett kicked four goals apiece when these two teams met in round two, while Tom Mitchell had 34 disposals and nine tackles in the Swans' big win.
2. Carlton hasn't beaten the Swans since round 13, 2011 at Etihad Stadium, and their last win against the Bloods at the SCG came earlier that same year.
3. The Swans are ranked first in the competition for contested possessions this season, racking up 164 per game, while the Blues are last, averaging just over 130 per week.
4. Franklin has had several red-letter days against the Blues since he crossed to the Swans from Hawthorn at the end of 2013, with the triple Coleman medallist booting 17 goals in just three games.
5. Carlton can expect plenty of pressure from the Swans, who are the best tacklers in the league, averaging 82.4 per game, while the Blues are the second worst in the competition, averaging 64.6 per game this year.
6. Swans star Luke Parker continues to rise up the Schick AFL Player Ratings ladder. He's now ranked 18th in the League after starting 2016 at No.26.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Patrick Cripps. The young star had 16 contested possessions and 12 clearances last week against West Coast and looms as a vital player for the Blues against the Swans' star-studded midfield. The 21-year-old is likely to have Josh Kennedy or Luke Parker as an opponent for most of the afternoon and will need a massive game if the Blues are to win enough ball to cause an upset.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 48 points
