SUMMARY
Melbourne will be searching for its fifth win in a row against fellow form side of the competition, Sydney. The Demons are riding high after their heart-stopping three-point win against West Coast in Perth last weekend. The Swans had a similar nail-biting result, with Gary Rohan kicking a goal after the siren to pinch a one-point victory from Essendon. Without Nathan Jones, due to a quad injury, Jack Viney – should he be passed fit – will need to have another blinder, particularly with Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker in excellent form. Max Gawn's influence will again be crucial if the Demons are to triumph, with the big man to play his second game off a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury. With six wins and seven losses, the Swans must keep the momentum rolling if they are to feature in September.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Friday, June 30, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R13, 2016, Sydney 12.14 (86) d Melbourne 4.7 (31) at the SCG
R6, 2015, Sydney 12.16 (88) d Melbourne 7.8 (50) at the MCG
R6, 2014, Sydney 9.15 (69) d Melbourne 5.8 (38) at the MCG
R15, 2013, Sydney 16.20 (116) d Melbourne 13.7 (85) at the MCG
R8, 2012, Sydney 21.12 (138) d Melbourne 5.7 (37) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne has been a strong clearance team this season, ranked equal third. The Swans are ninth. The Demons are also third for centre clearances, while Sydney is equal 14th.
2. Sydney has dominated Melbourne in recent seasons winning the last five matches, including two by more than 50 points. The Demons' last win against the Swans was in round 17, 2010.
3. The Demons continue to be the highest disposal team in 2017, averaging 412.3 per game and they have won the disposal count in 12 of 13 games. The Swans are ranked 13th for disposals.
4. This is a rare Friday night home game for Melbourne, it is the Demons' first since 2012. They have not won a Friday night home game since, round six, 2006.
5. In wet conditions the last contest between the teams was decided in the second half with the Swans kicking eight goals to two. Lance Franklin kicked four goals and Josh Kennedy starred with 28 disposals and one goal.
6. In-form Demon Dom Tyson has moved to a career-high ranking in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, placed 112th in the AFL.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Sam Naismith
The Swans ruckman will have to be right on his game up against Virgin Australia AFL All Australian big man Max Gawn on Friday night. Returning from a long layoff with a hamstring injury against West Coast, Gawn reigned supreme with 11 hit-outs to advantage to half-time. He finished with 42 hit-outs in total, but will likely be much better prepared for his second match. If Naismith can nullify Gawn, it will go a long way to a Swans victory.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by five points
