SUMMARY
The Swans would probably rather play the Dockers in Perth given they've won just one of their four games at the SCG this season, but their dominance over Fremantle at their home ground will fill them with confidence. Their win over Hawthorn last Friday night was a fierce fight and Ben Ronke's seven goals took everyone by surprise, but they need to find a way to kick a score at home. Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe is in Brownlow Medal form and is likely to have George Hewett for company from the opening bounce, and the young Swan will need plenty of support from the likes of skipper Josh Kennedy, in his 200th match for the club, Luke Parker and Isaac Heeney. The match looms as another monster test for Sydney ruckman Callum Sinclair, who will take on Dockers veteran Aaron Sandilands. The big man is in good touch and has enjoyed carrying the Swans' ruck load this season, with Dean Towers for support.
TALE OF THE TAPE | SWANS | DOCKERS |
LADDER | 7TH | 12TH |
KICKS | 10TH | 12TH |
MARKS | 14TH | 4TH |
HANDBALLS | 11TH | 8TH |
DISPOSALS | 10TH | 8TH |
DISPOSAL EFFICIENCY | 12TH | 3RD |
CONTESTED POSSESSIONS | 7TH | 15TH |
UNCONTESTED POSSESSIONS | 14TH | 5TH |
INSIDE 50S | 12TH | 7TH |
MARKS INSIDE 50 | 11TH | 10TH |
POINTS FOR | 9TH | 14TH |
POINTS AGAINST | 7TH | 9TH |
CLEARANCES | 1ST | 11TH |
CENTRE CLEARANCES | 3RD | 12TH |
FREE KICKS FOR | 13TH | 15TH |
FREE KICKS AGAINST | 3RD | 3RD |
TACKLES | 10TH | 18TH |
CONTESTED MARKS | 8TH | 13TH |
GOALKICKING ACCURACY | 5TH | 10TH |
HIGHEST SCORE | 18.7 (115) | 16.12 (108) |
LOWEST SCORE | 9.12 (66) | 4.9 (33) |
GOALS KICKED | 100 | 90 |
BEHINDS KICKED | 81 | 84 |
TOTAL POINTS | 681 | 624 |
KICKED 100 POINTS OR MORE | 2 | 2 |
CONCEDED 100 POINTS OR MORE | 0 | 2 |
QUARTERS WON | 17 | 17 |
4TH QUARTERS WON | 5 | 3 |
DEBUTANTS | 2 | 5 |
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday, May 19, 7.25pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R21, 2017, Sydney 22.11 (143) d Fremantle 5.9 (39) at the SCG
R19, 2016, Sydney 21.11 (137) d Fremantle 7.5 (47) at Subiaco Oval
1QF, 2015, Fremantle 10.9 (69) d Sydney 7.18 (60) at Subiaco Oval
R4, 2015, Fremantle 11.8 (74) d Sydney 8.12 (60) at Subiaco Oval
1QF, 2014, Sydney 13.15 (93) d Fremantle 10.9 (69) at ANZ Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans destroyed the Dockers in the first half when they played late in 2017, kicking 13 goals to one before going on to record their biggest ever win against Fremantle. Lance Franklin had 24 disposals and four goals.
2. Sydney is the equal highest-ranked clearance team this season averaging 40.6 per game, and Josh Kennedy has starred. He's ranked equal-fifth with a total of 58. Fremantle is ranked 11th in clearances.
3. This is the 34th contest between the sides and Sydney holds a narrow advantage winning 18 games to 14; with one draw. Since 2014 the Swans have been the better side winning four games to two.
4. Sydney has dominated Fremantle at the SCG winning 12 games to four, with one draw; the Dockers haven’t won at the SCG since round 17, 2011.
5. The Swans have been more impressive this season away than at home. At the SCG they’ve lost three of four games while away have won four matches. Fremantle is three losses from four interstate trips.
6. Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe continues his rise up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. He's ranked 20th, the first time he's been in the top 20 since round 23, 2016.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Sydney's Nick Smith will play his 200th game against the Dockers, and the unheralded small defender is sure to have another big job in his milestone match, with the likes of Brandon Matera and Hayden Ballantyne always dangerous inside 50.
PREDICTION: Sydney by 28 points