We look at some of the Hot Topics heading into Thursday night's match between Sydney and Collingwood at the Gabba.
Stopping Brodie Grundy
Sydney Swans big man Callum Sinclair has had some big tasks this season but there are none bigger than Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy. Grundy averages 35 hitouts, 16 disposals and four marks per game during the 2020 season and is influential in giving a star studded Collingwood midfield first look at the footy. Sinclair has shown he can match it with the best and after returning from a knee injury in recent weeks will be ready to hit his straps in one of the biggest ruck duels set to take place this season. Aliir Aliir has been used in recent weeks to provide support for Sinclair in the ruck and could play that role again this week against Collingwood with the ability to match the athleticism of Grundy around the ground.
Getting ready to hit the road
A Thursday afternoon at 5.40pm sure is a different time to be playing. And against Collingwood at the Gabba certainly isn't normal either. But that is season 2020. This is set to be the last game that the Swans play in Queensland for at least the next fortnight as they get set to head West to play in Sydney Derby XIX against Greater Western Sydney at Optus Stadium. A win at the Gabba would be one to savour and make the trip across the Nullarbor sweeter for the Swans.
Another debutant
Sam Wicks will become Sydney’s fifth debutant for season on Thursday night. The QBE Sydney Swans Academy product joined the club as a Category B Rookie in November 2018 and was elevated to Sydney’s senior list last month, paving the way for his debut. Wicks was introduced to AFL at a young age, with his parents both coming from Adelaide and big Adelaide Crows supporters. He played his junior footy in the northern beaches with Manly before joining the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in 2010. What can the pressure forward bring to the AFL scene, all will be seen against one of the premier sides in the competition on Thursday night.
Reid v Reid
Sam v Ben. The brothers have both been plagued with injuries throughout their career but both are back and set to play important roles in the forward line for their respective teams. The brothers will go head to head but given both are expected to play in the forward half it is unlikely they will come across each other throughout the match. Last time Sam Reid played against Collingwood he booted a bag of six goals, could history repeat at the Gabba?
