The Sydney Swans begin the defence of their premiership triumph with a clash against cross-town rival GWS. The teams played out two one-sided contests in 2012, with the Swans winning by a combined 157 points. But GWS have demonstrated during this year's NAB Cup that they have improved, adding some bulk to their slender frames. The Swans meanwhile have hardly impressed during the pre-season, picking up a solitary victory over Gold Coast, and have struggled to get all of their players on the park. Yet they have no intention of relinquishing the upper hand in the fledgling Sydney rivalry just yet and will want to start their premiership defence in style.
WHERE AND WHEN: ANZ Stadium, Saturday March 30, 4.40pm?
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST TWO TIMES
R14, 2012, Sydney Swans 19.18 (132) d GWS 5.8 (38) at ANZ Stadium
R1, 2012, Sydney Swans 14.16 (100) d GWS 5.7 (37) at ANZ Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans will be intent on continuing their winning ways against their new rival. They won the opening clash by 63 points and then enjoyed a 94-point stroll in round 14.
2. As the designated home team, GWS have set a target of at least 20,000 fans for the match during Easter weekend. Last year, the round one clash attracted 38,203 fans, followed by 22,565 in round 14.
3. GWS will be aiming to improve markedly in uncontested possessions in 2013. Last year, they ranked 17th in the competition in that category, while the Swans were first overall.
4. The Swans finished third on the ladder last season with 16 wins from their 22 games. The first-year GWS club picked up two wins, against Gold Coast and Port Adelaide, and are targeting around five wins this season.
5. GWS were last in the AFL last season in one-percenters, a category the Swans topped. GWS is also focusing heavily on defence this year, conceding 125 points per game in 2012 to the Swans' League-best 72.
6. The Swans have a strong recent record at ANZ Stadium, winning six of their past eight games at the venue, including two wins by less than a goal.
