SUMMARY

It's only worth four points officially, but unofficially this one is worth a whole lot more. The Swans are third on the ladder, one game ahead of the fourth-placed Hawks, so a win for them would go a long way towards a top-four finish, maybe even top-two. Hawthorn has recovered from a slow start and smashed top side Fremantle last week, so this looms as another classic between two of the modern era's best most successful clubs.

WHERE AND WHEN: ANZ Stadium, Saturday 7.20pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: www.afl.com.au/broadcastguide.workstation

LAST FIVE TIMES 

R8, 2015, Sydney Swans 11.7 (73) d Hawthorn 9.15 (69) at the MCG
GF, 2014, Hawthorn 21.11 (137) d Sydney Swans 11.8 (74) at the MCG
R18, 2014, Hawthorn 15.14 (104) d Sydney Swans 13.16 (94) at the MCG
R8, 2014, Sydney Swans 15.17 (107) d Hawthorn 13.10 (88) at ANZ Stadium
1QF, 2013, Hawthorn 15.15 (105) d Sydney Swans 7.9 (51) at the MCG

THE SIX POINTS
1. Only four points separated the sides in round eight at the MCG - the Swans had more disposals, marks and tackles, but the Hawks dominated the insides-50s with 54-36. Dan Hannebery starred with 36 possessions.

2. Hawthorn is ranked first in 2015 for points scored, inside 50s, kicks and average disposals per game.

3. These two teams have played 12 times since 2011 with the Hawks winning eight of them. There have been three finals, two of which were Grand Finals in that time.

4. The sides have played three times previously at ANZ Stadium with two wins to the Swans, while the home side has won its past four games at the venue.

5. Hawthorn is ranked first for uncontested possessions per game in 2015 with 259.7 per game, with the Swans second, averaging 245.

6. Despite the two star-studded line-ups, Swans forward Lance Franklin (10th) is the only player inside the top 10 of the AFL's official player ratings.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Lance Franklin
The two-time premiership Hawk and now glamour Swan not only meets his former team in the match of the round, he's just two goals away from he magical 700 mark. 'Buddy' loves the big stage so it's only fitting that he has the opportunity to reach such a significant career milestone against his old mates at ANZ Stadium.

AFL.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by eight points.