A test against reigning premier the West Coast Eagles headlines the latest edition of Hot Topics ahead of the Sydney Swans’ SCG clash on Sunday afternoon.
A test against the best
Sydney has faced then-second-placed Collingwood and top-of-the-table Geelong over the last fortnight and is now set for arguably the ultimate test of the lot. West Coast defeated Collingwood to claim the 2018 flag and has since begun season 2019 in formidable fashion. The Eagles are sitting in fourth on the ladder with eight wins and three losses pencilled in, and they toppled the Western Bulldogs by 61 points in their most recent outing.
Home-ground hoodoo
Sydney hasn’t lost to West Coast at the SCG in 20 years, an undefeated run stretching back to a 13-point loss at the Moore Park venue in Round 9, 1999. The Swans have since won seven consecutive SCG match-ups by an average margin of 34 points per match. Sydney’s biggest winning margin in that period was its 71-point victory in Round 17, 2000, and John Longmire’s men clinched a 15-point win when the clubs last met at the Harbour City venue in Round 13 last season. The Eagles sat on top of the ladder ahead of last year’s trip to the SCG, but the third-placed Swans would keep the hoodoo alive. Overall, the sides have met at the SCG on 17 occasions, and the Swans have won 14 games and the Eagles three.
Hewett’s hot streak
If you were to ask the coaches of the competition which Swan has been the clear stand-out over the last five weeks, George Hewettt would be your answer. The 23-year-old midfielder has polled AFL Coaches’ Association votes in all but one of Sydney’s last five games. He gathered a career-high 34 touches (24 contested) in Round 7, but it was his performance against North Melbourne in Round 9 that demanded maximum coaches’ votes. Co-captain and midfield bull Josh Kennedy missed the clash due to injury, but Hewett tallied 29 possessions (20 contested) and nine clearances to earn 10 votes in his absence. He was again tremendous in a battle with star Cats on-ballers Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Tim Kelly last week, with the young Swan recording 29 touches (14 contested) in a losing cause. Will Hewett continue to shine in Sunday’s match against the Eagles?
A nod to those who served
Sunday will play host to the 10th edition of the HMAS Sydney II Memorial Match in history. The game was founded in 2010 in honour of the 645 brave men who passed away on the HMAS Sydney II ship in World War II. The winning side will be presented the HMAS Sydney II Commemorative trophy, while the player judged best afield will be awarded the ‘Best on Ground’ trophy as well as a commemorative coin.
Sunday Funday
The Swans’ first afternoon home match of the season – dubbed Sunday Funday – is sure to prove a favourite among the fans. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early for a wide range of entertainment on Driver Avenue, and – pending weather – those in the crowd will have the chance to enjoy a Maccas Kick2Kick on the hallowed SCG turf after the match. Kids will also gain free entry with any reserved-seat ticket purchased, and premiership defender Heath Grundy will farewell the Swans faithful in a lap of honour at half-time. The 33-year-old developed into one of the AFL’s most feared and respected key defenders in a stellar 256-match career, before retiring from the game last month.
