Where and when: SCG, Saturday July 13, 1.45pm AEST

What it means for Sydney: The Swans missed an opportunity against Essendon last week and must take care of Carlton to get back in the finals hunt, with four tough games against Fremantle (away), Geelong (home), GWS (away) and Port Adelaide (away) to follow.

What it means for Carlton: The Blues have won two of their past four and those two losses were by less than a kick, so they've earned some respect under caretaker coach David Teague. A win over the Swans in Sydney will do wonders for their confidence.  

The stat:  Sydney had 64 clangers and its conversion (42.9 per cent) in front of goal was also poor last week but John Longmire's team lost by just 10 point to Essendon. They'll need to improve their finishing and decision-making to beat the Blues.

The match-up: Luke Parker v Jack Silvagni

Sydney's co-captain has been a star over the past couple of months and is the No.1 Swan (13th overall) in the Official AFL Player Ratings, so Silvagni (395th) could get the job at the SCG after performing some run-with roles recently.

It’s a big week for: Matthew Kruezer

The Swans' ruck stocks have been decimated so the former No.1 draft pick has a real chance to impose himself on the contest and give his band of onballers plenty of quality ball. Kreuzer had nine clearances himself against Melbourne last week and could be a key player at the SCG.

Big call: Will Hayward has had a relatively quiet season, but he's shown some glimpses of his best in recent weeks. He'll have a breakout game against the Blues and kick his first ever five-goal haul.

AFL.com.au prediction: Swans by 25 points