SUMMARY
Both sides are coming off losses and another one could prove costly, with the Swans a chance to lose their top four spot, and the Cats likely to drop out of the top eight. Geelong's clearance numbers continue to be a worry and while Sydney has some elite players in its midfield, as a team it hasn't been dominant in that area this year, especially at home. The visitors let slip a massive opportunity to stay in touch with the top four last week, and they'll need more support for Patrick Dangerfield, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood and Tim Kelly, who combined for 129 touches against the Western Bulldogs. The Cats haven't played at the SCG since they got belted by 110 points back in 2014, when Lance Franklin kicked four goals, and Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker gathered 32 touches apiece, and that trio will have a major say on Thursday night again.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Thursday, July 5, 7.25pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R6, 2018, Sydney 12.14 (86) d Geelong 10.9 (69) at GMHBA Stadium
2SF, 2017, Geelong 15.8 (98) d Sydney 5.9 (39) at the MCG
R20, 2017, Sydney 16.11 (107) d Geelong 8.13 (61) at GMHBA Stadium
2PF, 2016, Sydney 15.7 (97) d Geelong 8.12 (60) at the MCG
R16, 2016, Sydney 15.8 (98) d Geelong 9.6 (60) at GMHBA Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Geelong led by 22 points at three-quarter time in the round six clash between the sides before Sydney kicked seven final-quarter goals to one. Will Hayward booted three.
2. The Cats are the best defensive team after 14 games, conceding just 70 points per game; Sydney has also been strong, the third best defence in giving up an average of 71 points.
3. The Swans have enjoyed recent success against the Cats winning four of the last five matches, with three wins at GMHBA Stadium.
4. Geelong continues to be the worst centre clearance team in 2018, ranked last averaging only 10.7 per game; the Swans are equal seventh with 12.4 centre clearances per game.
5. The one previous time Geelong played the Swans in Sydney on a Thursday night was round 11, 2014, and the Cats were thrashed by 110 points at the SCG.
6. Sydney star Dan Hannebery continues to slide down the Schick Official Player Ratings. The midfielder started the season 49th but has dropped to 133rd.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Sydney midfielder George Hewett has been given some big jobs this season and that will continue on Thursday night. The 22-year-old is likely to head to Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield, but Joel Selwood or Gary Ablett could also cop his tag.
PREDICTION: Sydney by 15 points
