The Sydney Swans’ clash with Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night is bursting with Hot Topics.
The epic modern-day rivalry, a Swans player’s 100-game milestone, taming an opposition ball magnet and plenty more surround the Round 8 blockbuster.
A gripping rivalry
Few rivalries in the modern game compare to Sydney’s duel with Hawthorn. The last three matches between the two sides have been decided by five points, six points and six points and the last four MCG clashes are split down the middle. The Swans and Hawks have also squared off in two very recent grand finals and claimed a flag each. Sydney clinched a 10-point victory in a grand final thriller for the ages in 2012 and Hawthorn recorded a 63-point win in 2014. The Hawks emerged six-point victors at the MCG when the two sides last met but it didn’t come without a twist. The Swans had trailed at every change but stole four consecutive goals through George Hewett, Lance Franklin, Jarrad McVeigh and Tom Papley to pinch the lead in the final term. Friday promises to deliver a blockbuster.
Jake Lloyd notches 100
Sydney defender Jake Lloyd will become the second Swan in as many games to reach 100 AFL games. The 24-year-old signed with the Swans at the 2013 Rookie Draft when the Club recruited him from North Ballarat. He was 20 when he was drafted and became an AFL regular from the outset in piling up 21 games in 2014. Lloyd has since played 20-plus matches every season and plays an integral role in the Swans’ rock-solid defence. Reaching triple figures is testament to Lloyd’s consistency and preparation. Speedster Gary Rohan played his 100th game in the clash with North Melbourne.
Taming Tom
Star Hawks midfielder and former Swan Tom Mitchell will be hard to stop on Friday. Hawthorn’s reigning best and fairest is averaging the most touches (36) and clearances (nine) per game in the competition after the opening seven rounds. He is also running second behind defending Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin for average inside 50s per game (five). Some sides have tagged him this season and others have let him reign. Collingwood didn’t tag him in Round 1 and the one-time All-Australian ran amok, reeling in 54 possessions (27 contested), nine clearances and eight inside 50s. Swans skipper Josh Kennedy has averaged 32 touches across his last two outings in a rich vein of form and his battle with his former midfield partner will be unmissable.
First MCG game
The Swans are scheduled for just two regular-season MCG games in 2017 and will play their first on Friday. It is imperative to be able to play well at the famous sporting venue because it hosts the grand final every year. The importance of strong MCG form only greatened early last month when the AFL announced the grand final would be played at the Victorian venue until 2057. But the Club’s beloved South Melbourne fans always turn out in big numbers when the Swans play at the MCG and the 22 combatants feed off their raucous support. Sydney will next play at the MCG in Round 21 against Melbourne.
beyondblue Cup
Sydney and Hawthorn are set to face off for the annual beyondblue Cup. beyondblue is an organisation that strives to address issues associated with depression, anxiety disorders and related mental conditions. All players in the Swans-Hawks clash and all other men’s and women’s players across Victoria will wear blue tape around their wrists on the weekend to ignite conversation around mental health.
