SUMMARYMelbourne broke through for its second win of the year against the Western Bulldogs last weekend, although not before an almighty scare in the final quarter. The Demons are using the corridor more and seem to have discovered an ability to run. But they're up against it this time around facing the hard nuts of Sydney, with their bigger bodies, their accountability and their four-quarter composure. Still, with co-skipper Jack Grimes set to return, Melbourne will take its strongest side for the year into this game and it will be interesting to see how it stacks up against the competition yardstick.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday July 7, 1.10pm (AEST)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R 8, 2012, Sydney 21.13 (138) d Melbourne 5.7 (37) at the SCG
R 1, 2011, Melbourne 11.18 (84) drew Sydney 11.18 (84) at the MCG
R 17, 2010, Melbourne 22.10 (142) d Sydney 10.9 (69) at the MCG
R 17, 2009, Sydney 10.8 (68) d Melbourne 6.14 (50) at Manuka Oval
R 13, 2008, Sydney 17.12 (114) d Melbourne 11.8 (74) at Manuka Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne and Sydney last met in round eight, 2012 at the SCG and the Swans were big winners by 101 points. The Demons managed only five goals in perfect conditions although Jeremy Howe did take Mark of the Year that evening. It was their heaviest loss to the Swans since 1997.
2. Sydney has dominated Melbourne recently winning six of the last eight clashes, the Demons last victory was in round 17, 2010 at the MCG.
3. Since 2009 Sydney has played at the MCG 14 times for just three wins but has won two of their last three, the Grand Final and Collingwood in round nine.
4. Despite last week’s win over the Bulldogs, Melbourne continues to have the last placed attack in 2013 averaging just 68 points per game, the Swans are seventh with 97 per game.
5. Sydney continues to be the number one ranked team for hit-outs and clearances, in contrast Melbourne who is ranked equal last for clearances.
6. Five Swans players likely to play on Sunday – Josh Kennedy (4) Kieran Jack (10), Jarrad McVeigh (22), Lewis Jetta (32) and Ryan O'Keefe (33) figure in the Official AFL Player Rankings before the first Melbourne player, which is Nathan Jones at 70.
