SUMMARY
Carlton did something Sydney haven't been able to do this season when they upset Hawthorn, but they face a much tougher task in Saturday's last game of the year at the SCG. The Swans were outstanding in Friday night's thrilling win over Adelaide on the road, and continued their impressive form, taking the points for the 13th time in their past 15 matches. All of Sydney's big guns were important against the Crows, and if Lance Franklin, Josh Kennedy and Dane Rampe continue to fire, the Blues will struggle. The experienced heads of Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Sam Docherty, Kade Simpson and Matthew Kreuzer must start well to give the visitors some belief early, with Liam Jones to get another big job on Franklin, who found his mojo last week.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday, August 26, 4.35pm
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R6, 2017, Carlton 15.7 (97) d Sydney 11.12 (78) at the MCG
R18, 2016, Sydney 10.14 (74) d Carlton 10.8 (68) at the SCG
R2, 2016, Sydney 20.11 (131) d Carlton 10.11 (71) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2015, Sydney 19.8 (122) d Carlton 9.8 (62) at the SCG
R17, 2014, Sydney 18.14 (122) d Carlton 7.9 (51) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. After trailing by eight points at half-time in round six the Blues kicked 10 goals to five in the second half. Sam Docherty was the star with 39 disposals and 11 marks. Matthew Wright booted four goals.
2. The Swans continue to be the form team of the competition. Since round seven they're now four games better than the Crows with a record of 13-2, a percentage of 149.95, and having conceded only 66 points per game.
3. Carlton's win earlier this season ended the Swans' dominance after they had won the previous seven matches between the two sides and nine of the previous 11.
4. The Blues have one more week to score 100 points, something they've failed to achieve all season, and would be the first side since Melbourne in 2014 not to do it. Carlton is averaging 73 points per game.
5. The Swans are the best defensive team in the competition and have conceded only 75 points per game.
6. Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer continues his rise in the Schick Official AFL Player Ratings; he's now ranked 82nd after starting the season in 168th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Charlie Curnow. The NAB Rising Star nominee has been lively for the Blues in attack and needs to kick a bag, but he'll have a tough time against the Swans' defence, with Rampe and Heath Grundy unlikely to give him any space to move.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney by 49 points
