There are plenty of hot topics to explore ahead of our Round 4 match against the Western Bulldogs at the SCG on Thursday night.
Swans forward line fires
The Sydney Swans forward line fired well led by defensive pressure right across the ground against North Melbourne last weekend. Tom Papley, Lewis Taylor and Sam Gray provided the frontal pressure and contest that led to putting extreme heat on North Melbourne's defence with Isaac Heeney, Tom McCartin and Hayden McLean proving strong marking targets up forward. The Swans will be without McCartin on Thursday night after he suffered a knock late in the win and has been ruled out with concussion. It will be a test again to have the defensive pressure high across the whole ground to create opportunities against the Western Bulldogs as the Swans once again look to kick a winning score in the unique situation of shortened quarters in this 2020 season.
Kennedy's milestone match
Sydney Swans co-captain Josh Kennedy will run out for his 250th AFL game in Round 4 against the Western Bulldogs. Since joining the Swans from Hawthorn at the end of the 2009 season Kennedy has won three Bob Skilton Medals as the Sydney Swans Club Champion, been named All Australian three times and played in Sydney’s 2012 AFL Premiership. He has captained the Swans since 2017. Originally drafted to Hawthorn in the 2006 AFL Draft under the father-son rule, Kennedy made his AFL debut in Round 9, 2008 against Melbourne. Coach John Longmire this week stating he thinks Kennedy will go down as one of the greats not just of the Swans but of the game.
#Bloods2020
There will be a limited number of fans back at the SCG this week after a limited number were also allowed to attend our Round 2 match against Essendon. We have loved the passion of our members and supporters wherever they are following the team on game day. There are plenty of great ways to be involved and we have loved seeing all of the photos being shared from match day using #Bloods2020. Bigger crowds are destined for the SCG in just a matter of weeks, after the NSW Government granted approval for stadiums to fill up to 25 per cent capacity. The changes take effect from the start of next month, allowing the Sydney Swans to host a crowd for their clash with Melbourne on Sunday, July 5.
Back in prime time
The Sydney Swans will play their first match in prime time for the 2020 season with a Thursday night match against the Western Bulldogs. The match will be LIVE and FREE across the 7 network throughout the country. After playing three afternoon matches to start the season the Swans will be under the lights back at the SCG against arch rivals the Western Bulldogs. The teams last met in Round 1, 2019 which is more than 15 months ago now. Both teams look different and both coming off impressive wins over more fancies opponents. Only time will tell how this one plays out on a Thursday night at the SCG.
