The potential returns of Sydney Swans duo Jarrad McVeigh and Harry Cunningham headline the latest instalment of Hot Topics ahead of Saturday afternoon’s SCG clash with the Gold Coast Suns.
Two Swans nearing full flight
A thriving Sydney outfit could be bolstered even further by the returns of evergreen defender McVeigh and the fleet-footed Cunningham. McVeigh hasn’t donned the red and white since straining his hamstring in a clash with the West Coast Eagles in Round 12, and a torn adductor has sidelined Cunningham since the Brisbane Lions match in Round 7, but the duo are making rapid progress on the countdown to Saturday’s game.
Parker’s sparkling run
Sydney co-captain Luke Parker has produced a stunning run of form in recent weeks. The star midfielder has averaged 29.6 disposals and 14.16 contested possessions over the last six games, and he was at his brilliant best in last Friday’s match against Hawthorn. Parker tallied 31 touches (12 contested), seven marks, seven clearances, 12 tackles and a goal on his way to a perfect 10 AFL Coaches’ Association votes in the 19-point win over the Hawks. Is the All Australian set for another best-afield display?
Top 10 draft picks set to light up SCG
The SCG could be set to play host to as many as three top 10 2018 draft picks: Sydney’s Nick Blakey, and Gold Coast’s Jack Lukosius and Ben King. Blakey (pick 10) joined the race for the 2019 AFL Rising Star honour in an exceptional performance against Hawthorn last Friday, slotting two critical final-term goals and grabbing a Mark of the Year contender, while Lukosius (pick three) and King (pick six) have also shone in the early rounds of the season. Blakey and Lukosius have both played 12 AFL games, and King is sitting on five.
Afternoon footy
Sydney’s clash with West Coast in Round 12 reminded the masses of all there is to love about afternoon footy. The Swans’ first afternoon home game of the year drew a season-high 36,640-strong crowd, with fans flocking to the SCG under sunny skies to see the quick and slick footy that often comes with day matches. The Gold Coast game will also play host to a wide range of entertainment on Driver Avenue, including the QBE Fan Zone and the Citi Spin2Win Wheel. And the Swans and the AFL are this week celebrating Grassroots Appreciation Round, which acknowledges the lifeblood of community football: players, coaches, umpires, parents and volunteers. Make sure you’re in the stands as the Swans hunt a third-straight win.
