The Sydney Swans’ lengthy winning streak against the Brisbane Lions headlines the latest edition of Hot Topics ahead of Saturday afternoon’s clash at the Gabba.

Shooting for 12 in a row

The Swans lay claim to an outstanding winning record against the Lions, with Sydney having beaten Brisbane the last 11 times the clubs have met. The Swans haven’t lost to the Lions since Round 22, 2009, and they’ve since defeated the Queensland-based club by an average of 42 points per match. When Sydney and Brisbane last met in Round 10, 2018, the Swans left the Gabba with a hard-fought 18-point win in the wet. 

Returning to the winners’ column

With just one win to show after the opening six rounds of the season, the Swans are intent on clawing victory on Saturday. Sydney overcame Carlton by 19 points at Marvel Stadium in Round 3, but it’s fallen to the Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, Melbourne, Richmond and GWS to be placed 16^th ahead of Round 7. The Swans are chasing a 10^th-straight finals series and understand Saturday’s match against the Lions shapes as a crucial game in the context of their season.

Longmire’s coaching milestone

Sydney coach John Longmire led the Swans to the 2012 flag, he’s steered the club to the finals in every one of his years at the helm and he’s claimed two AFL Coach of the Year awards. On Saturday he will add to his exceptional resume as he overtakes Paul Roos on the list of most games coached in Swans history, taking charge for his 203^rd game since being appointed to the role ahead of season 2011. Longmire joined the Swans ahead of season 2002 as an assistant to Roos, who oversaw Sydney in 202 games between 2002 and 2010. Rodney Eade (152 games), Ian Stewart (111) and Charlie Pannam (119) round out the top five most-capped coaches in Swans history. 

Star youngsters ready to go

Some of the hottest young talent in the AFL will descend on the Gabba as the likes of Sydney’s Oliver Florent, Tom Papley and Aliir Aliir meet Brisbane’s Charlie Cameron, Eric Hipwood, Alex Witherden and a host of other emerging Lions. Heading into season 2019, Brisbane and Sydney had blooded the first-most and second-most debutants respectively over the previous three seasons. The Lions have this year debuted Noah Answerth and the Swans Nick Blakey, Justin McInerney and James Rowbottom, all of whom signed at the 2018 AFL Draft. Supporters will get a glimpse of the emerging generation in Saturday’s Gabba showdown.