SUMMARY
Melbourne return to Sydney to take on the Swans for the first time in over four years and will attempt to win at the SCG for the first time in over a decade. The loss of in-form ruckman Kurt Tippett is a massive blow for the home side, especially given the performance of Demons big man Max Gawn against the Magpies, so Callum Sinclair will need to take on the number one role on Sunday afternoon. Star Swans midfielders Luke Parker and Kieren Jack were well below their best in last week's loss to Greater Western Sydney, which could spell trouble for the visitors, while gun forwards Lance Franklin and Isaac Heeney also struggled against the Giants. The battles between Swans Parker, Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy, and Dees Jack Viney, Nathan Jones and Dom Tyson, is sure to be a highlight for fans, with Demons defender Tom McDonald likely to get first crack at Franklin.
Lance Franklin marks opposed to Tom McDonald when the two teams met last year. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Sunday, 1.10pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2015, Sydney Swans 12.16 (88) d Melbourne 7.8 (50) at the MCG
R6, 2014, Sydney Swans 9.15 (69) d Melbourne 5.8 (38) at the MCG
R15, 2013, Sydney Swans 16.20 (116) d Melbourne 13.7 (85) at the MCG
R8, 2012, Sydney Swans 21.12 (138) d Melbourne 5.7 (37) at the SCG
R1, 2011, Melbourne 11.18 (84) drew Sydney Swans 11.18 (84) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans kicked seven-goals-to-one in the first half the last time these teams met, and Melbourne never recovered. The Swans had 13 more scoring shots and 29 more inside 50s.
2. It will be a contest between two of the strongest contested possession teams in 2016; the Swans are ranked first with 163.9 per game, ahead of the Demons who are ranked fourth with 149.3 per game.
3. The Swans and Demons meet for the 205th time and the Swans hold the advantage, winning 110 games to 92, with two draws. The Swans have won eight of the last 10 contests.
4. The teams haven’t played at the SCG since round eight, 2012, when the home side won by 101 points, and Melbourne hasn’t won at the SCG since round four, 2006.
5. The Swans are ranked second for inside 50s this season averaging 58.8 per game, compared to Melbourne who are ranked eighth at 54.4 per game.
6. Star Swan Josh Kennedy is his side's highest-ranked player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, while Melbourne captain Nathan Jones tops his team, ranked 65th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Callum Sinclair
With Kurt Tippett injured, the former Eagle will have a massive job in the ruck against Melbourne's Max Gawn. The Demons' cult figure had a career-best day against Collingwood with 27 possessions, 31 hit-outs and three goals, and will be keen to assert his dominance over the Swans. Sinclair's ability to nullify Gawn will go a long way towards helping the Swans to a vital win before their mid-season bye.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 28 points
