We take a look at some of the hot topics surrounding our Round 6 clash against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night.
Bouncing back
It isn’t too often the Swans spend the week ruing back-to-back defeats. In the past three years, the Swans have been dealt consecutive losses on only four occasions.
The most recent was during last year’s unsteady start to the season when the Swans went down to Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood in the opening two rounds.
The following week John Longmire’s men travelled to Adelaide and bounced back in a big way, beating the Crows by 63 points in front of 50,000 people at Adelaide Oval.
Months before the Swans closed 2013 on a sour note, suffering a loss to Geelong in Round 22 and to Hawthorn in the Qualifying Final.
Not to go down without a fight, the Swans returned fire to defeat Carlton in a big semi-final clash at ANZ Stadium.
To ensure the Swans re-join the winners list, don’t be surprised to see the visitors take a finals-worthy level of intensity to the MCG on Saturday night.
Back to the ‘G
As backman Nick Smith pointed out earlier in the week, the MCG serves up plenty of fond memories and some not-so-fond memories. Last year’s Grand Final loss is well and truly behind the club but the significance of revisiting the scene of the crime would still be felt.
The wide open spans of the ‘G will be an exciting prospect for the Swans’ runners and a nice change of scenery given the playing group rarely has the chance to grace the renowned turf.
Lance Franklin averages more than three goals at the MCG while Josh Kennedy sees the ball around 23 times when visiting, so as trends suggest look for the highest ranked Swans in the Official AFL Player Ratings (first and ninth respectively) to have an impact.
The Swans have also had the better of Melbourne in the clubs’ last two outings at the MCG – the most recent being a 31-point win in Round 6, 2014.
Think pink
The Swans and Demons meet for the Pink Lady Match, a significant fixture on the AFL calendar which aims to raise awareness and needed funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
The Swans players donned pink socks at training on Tuesday in support of the campaign while the Dees will wear a specially made jumper to mark the occasion.
Fans attending Saturday night’s match are encouraged to write a personal messages of support on one of the number of Pink Lady silhouettes outside the MCG while a moment of silence to pay tribute to all those touched by breast cancer will be part of the pre-game build up.
Who is in and who is out?
Isaac Heeney and Sam Reid are waiting in wings after recovering from respective injuries which kept them out of the side which took on the Dogs last weekend.
Heeney’s selection would mark the first time the exciting youngster has played on the MCG while Reid’s return to the backline would straighten up the Swans’ defensive stocks and provide John Longmire with versatility against the Demons.
Ben McGlynn could also be in line for a re-call after gaining valuable match conditioning in the NEAFL on Saturday.
Franklin vs McDonald?
Much-talked about key defender Tom McDonald has been anointed as the man to mind Lance Franklin on Saturday night.
McDonald has been in great touch, one of the most improved players in the competition and in All-Australian contention according to some analysts.
The 22-year-old’s biggest test to date will be holding down Buddy who averages 16 disposals and three goals against the Demons.
After kicking 16 goals in the past five matches, Buddy is due for a day out on Saturday.
