SUMMARY
The Swans are struggling for form and battling injuries to key players, but get their best chance to break through for a win in 2017 against the Brisbane Lions at the SCG. The Lions have lost their last nine games against the Swans and haven't travelled to Sydney since 2013, when they were belted by 10 goals. At 0-6 the Swans are just about ruled out of finals contention, and with coach John Longmire labelling last week's loss to Carlton as "unacceptable", you'd think the home side would lift for Sunday's game. Lance Franklin was unable to break the shackles of Alex Silvagni last week, and the superstar forward must start hitting the scoreboard if his team is to fix their scoring woes, while midfielders Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker have to find a way to reassert their presence on the team.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Sunday, May 7, 1.10pm AEST
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R6, 2016, Sydney 15.7 (97) d Brisbane Lions 14.10 (94) at the Gabba
R15, 2015, Sydney 10.10 (70) d Brisbane Lions 7.7 (49) at the Gabba
R7, 2014, Sydney 18.15 (123) d Brisbane Lions 6.8 (44) at the Gabba
R6, 2013, Sydney 17.13 (115) d Brisbane Lions 8.7 (55) at the SCG
R15, 2012, Sydney 16.14 (110) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Luke Parker helped the Swans hold off the Lions when they met early in 2016 with 29 disposals, three goals, nine tackles and six inside 50s, enough to get the three Brownlow votes. Lance Franklin booted five goals.
2. The Swans continue to struggle to score in 2017, averaging only 75 points per game, and are yet to kick 100 points. The Lions are averaging 80 points per game.
3. Sydney has dominated the Brisbane Lions over a long period of time, winning the last nine matches, with four by more than 60 points. The Lions haven’t won since round 22, 2009.
4. No team has taken the ball inside 50 less in 2017 than the Lions, who are averaging 46 per game. The Swans are ranked only marginally better at equal 13th with an average of 49.7.
5. The Swans' 0-6 record is their worst start to a season since 1993, the year they lost their first 11 games, while it is the fourth straight season the Lions have started 1-5.
6. Sydney captain Josh Kennedy has been one of the few Swans to play some consistent footy this year, but he's still dropped three spots in the AFL player Ratings to No.5.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Stefan Martin.
The Swans are struggling in the big man department and the aggressive Martin has the opportunity to dominate the ruck contests, and at least give his midfield first crack at the footy.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney by 34 points.
