Those in the reckoning to return for the Sydney Swans’ clash with Fremantle at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Saturday night headline the latest edition of Hot Topics.
Swans weigh up options
With Harry Cunningham ruled out with a groin injury and Jordan Dawson set to miss due to suspension, coach John Longmire is mulling over who to add to his side for the trip west. A host of Swans have produced glowing recent form in the NEAFL, with ball magnet Ryan Clarke, utility Robbie Fox and free-wheeling defender Ryley Stoddart the most notable. Clarke (41 touches) and Fox (27 possessions, one goal) spearheaded the midfield brigade in Saturday’s win over the Southport Sharks, while Stoddart (29 disposals, one goal) was superb at half-back. Daniel Menzel, James Rose, Hayden McLean, Jackson Thurlow, Michael Knoll and Joel Amartey have also shown promising signs in recent weeks.
Ferocious Perth welcoming
Greeting a home crowd in Perth is a mighty challenge but it’s a challenge the Swans believe they are ready for. In Luke Parker’s experience, “the whole state is against you”, but the Sydney co-captain says “there’s nothing better than keeping them quiet”. A raucous 37,763 Dockers fans have filled the stands over the last five Sydney-Fremantle matches in the west on average. And there’s every chance that number is set to skyrocket as Saturday night will see the Swans and Dockers meet at the recently built 60,000-seat stadium for the first time in history.
Livewires set for battle
Two of the competition’s most exciting livewires are set to emerge on the Optus Stadium turf. Swan Tom Papley and Docker Michael Walters can both play in the forward line and midfield, they’re lightning-quick and their awareness around goal is extraordinary. Papley (27) and Walters (31) are both sitting atop their clubs’ goal-kicking leaderboards, while Papley is averaging 16.31 touches per game and Walters 21.25.
When the Swans last visited Optus Stadium
The West Coast Eagles had plans to mark their first-ever match at Optus Stadium with victory in the opening round of season 2018, but the Swans would ruin the fun. Star forward Lance Franklin booted eight goals, Parker snared a Goal of the Year contender and Jake Lloyd posted 29 disposals and a goal as Sydney cruised to a 29-point win.
