The Sydney Swans made the perfect start to their season last week, but they can expect better opposition from Carlton on Sunday evening. While co-captain Kieren Jack, champion forward Lance Franklin and key playmaker Luke Parker, who were missing during the Swans' finals campaign last season, were instrumental in the demolition of the Magpies in the opening round, the contributions from debutants Tom Papley, George Hewett and Callum Mills were most heartening. The Blues' profligacy in front of goal proved costly against Richmond, but their ball movement was impressive and they were well organised under the tutelage of new coach Brendon Bolton. The Blues need ruckman Matthew Kreuzer to start the ball rolling in the contests with support from skipper Marc Murphy and star midfielder Patrick Cripps.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, April 3, 4.40pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
ROUND 9, 2015, Sydney Swans 19.8 (122) d Carlton 9.8 (62) at the SCG
ROUND 17, 2014, Sydney Swans 18.14 (122) d Carlton 7.9 (51) at the SCG
FIRST SEMI-FINAL, 2013, Sydney Swans 13.8 (86) d Carlton 8.14 (62) at ANZ Stadium
ROUND 14, 2013, Sydney Swans 8.17 (65) d Carlton 5.13 (43) at the SCG
ROUND 19, 2012, Sydney Swans 14.9 (93) d Carlton 10.11 (71) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Lance Franklin booted seven goals in the Sydney Swans' big win over the Blues last season. The Swans had 10 more scoring shots and 17 more inside 50s. Carlton kicked only two goals in the first half.
2. The Swans' midfield was impressive in round one against Collingwood, winning the clearances 40-33. The Swans had four players with 30 or more disposals and had 95 more disposals than the Magpies.
3. Carlton plays its first game at Etihad Stadium in 2016. Last season the Blues lost six of seven matches at the venue, including four by more than 60 points.
4. After a superb debut against the Tigers, defender Jacob Weitering is second of the first-year players in the Schick AFL Player Ratings with 12.6 points, behind Swan Tom Papley on 19.9 points.
5. The Swans have been impressive at Etihad Stadium recently, winning their past eight matches there. They have not been defeated since round nine, 2012.
6. The Swans will be aiming to win their opening two games for the fourth time in the past five seasons under John Longmire. Carlton has not won a match in the opening two weeks since 2012.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Dale Thomas. The former Magpie's 2015 campaign was ruined by shoulder problems but he returns from a one-game suspension, fit and determined to show he still has plenty to offer the Blues.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 18 points
