SUMMARY
It wasn't a great night for the Swans last week, coughing up a game they had control of against Richmond, while also losing their two big star forwards. Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett will now be watching from the stands against Port after brain fades against the Tigers, which leaves a huge hole in the Swans' forward 50. The Power need everything to go their way for the rest of the season to make the finals, and this could be the first step. If they're ever going to turn around a poor record in Sydney, surely this is their biggest opportunity.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Thursday 7.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide www.afl.com.au/broadcastguide.workstation
LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2015, Sydney Swans 14.8 (92) d Port Adelaide 6.8 (44) at Adelaide Oval
R20, 2014, Sydney Swans 12.12 (84) d Port Adelaide 7.16 (58) at Adelaide Oval
R13, 2014, Sydney Swans 14.14 (98) d Port Adelaide 13.16 (94) at the SCG
R13, 2013, Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) d Sydney Swans 8.6 (54) at AAMI Stadium
R3, 2012, Sydney Swans 16.9 (105) d Port Adelaide 12.11 (83) at AAMI Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Despite losing to the Swans in round two at Adelaide Oval, the Power had more disposals (438-417); more marks (104-88) and more inside 50s (62-52).
2. The Swans have dominated Port Adelaide over a long period, winning 11 of the past 12 matches. This includes eight consecutive wins from 2006-12 and an overall record of 18 wins to seven.
3. The Swans are ranked second in 2015 for uncontested possessions, averaging 247.8 per game, while Port Adelaide is ranked eighth with 229.3 per game.
4. The teams have played 12 times at the SCG, with the home side winning nine of those. The Power haven't won in Sydney since early in 2006.
5. Port Adelaide has struggled on the road in 2015, losing three of four games, with one win and two losses being by single figures.
6. The Swans' top player in the Official AFL Player Ratings will be missing this week, with Lance Franklin (eighth) suspended for his hit on Richmond's Shane Edwards. Fellow key forward Kurt Tippett (122nd) is also serving a ban for elbowing Tiger Dylan Grimes.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Sam Reid
With his two star goal kickers Franklin and Tippett missing, Swans coach John Longmire will be forced to switch the forward-turned-defender back into a forward against the Power. The 23-year-old has been developing down back but will need to step up and get back to his high-marking best. Needs a huge game and if he can produce, his career will take a massive leap forward.
PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by eight points.
