We take a look at some of the key talking points ahead of Saturday afternoon's clash against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Saying hello to a former Swan
Remember a man by the name of Nick Malceski?
Well, after making the move to the sunny Gold Coast, the 176-game former Swan and premiership defender could be lining up against his old side when the Swans meet the Suns at on Saturday afternoon.
Sidelined for five weeks with a knee injury, Malceski returned via the Suns’ NEAFL side on the weekend and is a strong chance to clash with his old teammates at Metricon Stadium.
It will be interesting to see what kind of reception the Swans will give Malceski or whether anything will even arise as the Swans strive for a 8-2 record.
Settled Swans
No team has used more players in season 2015 than Gold Coast.
The Suns have used 39 different players after the first nine rounds of the season, with a heavy injury list causing coach Rodney Eade plenty of headaches.
The Swans on the other hand, with the help of a virtually clean bill of health, has used only 27 players – the second least of any side (behind Fremantle) in the competition.
A settled list has always been a sign of stability and subsequent success.
Tackling the Suns
The Swans overtook the Western Bulldogs as the competition’s most ferocious side to average 74.6 tackles per game in season 2015.
Gold Coast might not be travelling too well on 1-8 but that doesn’t mean the Swans’ can take the foot off the pedal.
The Swans share the load in regards to the grunt work with Tom Mitchell, despite waiting until Round 5 for his first game of the season, leading the charge with a 6.2 average while Josh Kennedy and Kieren Jack are close behind.
Maintaining the hunger for the football will be key to the Swans winning five on the trot.
Pykey’s milestone
Who would have thought a rugby convert from Canada would eventually play 100 games of AFL football?
Pyke will become only the fourth player from overseas to reach the significant milestone when the Swans take on the Suns and, obviously, the first from ‘The Great White North’.
Pyke has grown in stature since his well-publicised 2009 debut and has become an important member of the Swans side and one of the competition’s leading tap ruckmen.
Swans spread their wings
The Swans’ trip to the Gold Coast begins two consecutive weeks of travel.
The journey north to take on the Suns will be followed by the journey south to Melbourne where the Kangaroos await in the Round 11 clash at Etihad Stadium.
Endure the next two away trips and the potential carrot dangling at the other end will be a 10-2 record and a well-deserved week off courtesy of a bye.
The break should refresh some bodies ahead of the Swans’ June 26 encounter against Richmond where supporters can help commemorate the club’s 2005 premiership heroes in an official 10-year reunion celebration.
