TWO OF the competition's in-form sides come head-to-head in a massive Friday night clash at ANZ Stadium. The Swans have steadied following a slow start to the season, stringing three consecutive wins together to break into the top eight for the first time. But they know they need to lift their intensity once more against a Hawthorn side that already has six wins on the board this year, despite a tough opening draw. The Swans' last victory over the Hawks came in the thrilling 2012 Grand Final. Since that time, Alastair Clarkson's side has won three straight, including a qualifying final victory at the MCG last season.
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
1QF, 2013, Hawthorn 15.15 (105) d Sydney Swans 7.9 (51) at the MCG
R23, 2013, Hawthorn 17.10 (112) d Sydney Swans 16.4 (100) at ANZ Stadium
R7, 2013, Hawthorn 18.11 (119) d Sydney Swans 12.10 (82) at the MCG
GF, 2012, Sydney Swans 14.7 (91) d Hawthorn 11.15 (81) at the MCG
R22, 2012, Hawthorn 15.12 (102) d Sydney Swans 14.11 (95) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The two sides will meet for the 156th time. The Hawks hold an 86-67 advantage, with two draws – in 1968 and 1956.
2. The Swans' biggest victory over Hawthorn occurred way back in 1932, a 123-point hammering at Lake Oval. The Hawks' best was a 99-point triumph at Waverley Park in 1987.
3. Hawthorn is the AFL's highest scoring team this year, averaging 128 points per game. The Swans are averaging just 86 points.
4. The Hawks lead the AFL in marks inside 50, averaging 15 per contest. The Swans are seventh with 12 per game. Both sides are adept at getting it into their forward line, with the Hawks second overall and the Swans third for inside 50s.
5. Peter Hudson holds the record for goals in a game between the teams, managing 13 on two occasions – 1969 and 19706.
6. Hawks superstar Cyril Rioli has rocketed up to sixth in the Official AFL Player Ratings, two spots ahead of Swans co-captain Kieren Jack.
Prediction: Hawthorn by 19 points
