Head to head: Sydney Swans 69 wins, Western Bulldogs 76 wins, one draw
Last time: Western Bulldogs 14.17 (101) d Sydney Swans 9.9 (63), round eight, 2010, at Manuka Oval
MISSING IN ACTION
Sydney Swans
Craig Bird (foot) - 1 week
Craig Bolton (achilles) - 2-3 weeks
Daniel Bradshaw (knee) - 1-2 weeks
Ben McGlynn (cheekbone) - 2-3 weeks
Jake Orreal (back) - season
Lewis Roberts-Thomson (hamstring) - 1 week
Mark Seaby (ankle) - season
Kristen Thornton (hamstring) - test
Western Bulldogs
Ayce Cordy (shoulder) - season
Shaun Higgins (calf) - 2-3 weeks
Sam Reid (shoulder) - season
Shane Thorne (knee) - 3 weeks
Stephen Tiller (adductor) - 1 week
Easton Wood (hamstring) - 2 weeks
FORM
Sydney Swans: WLLWW
Western Bulldogs: WWWWL
SUMMARY
Just when the Sydney Swans appeared to be on the slide, they have hit back and are now almost certainties to play finals. A healthy percentage and 11 wins has them seventh on the ladder with a home final a possibility. This week also signals Paul Roos’ and Brett Kirk’s final match at the SCG.
The kennel cough that hampered the Western Bulldogs two weeks ago was not the reason for their lacklustre performance against Geelong, according to Rodney Eade. Whatever the reason behind the 101-point loss, they will want to make sure it’s addressed this week given the importance of entering September in a positive frame of mind. The Dogs are poised to make five or six changes to their side with Adam Cooney, Ben Hudson, Jarrad Grant, Jarrod Harbrow and Mitch Hahn set to come in.
PLAYER TO WATCH
NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Dan Hannebery had a game-high 38 possessions last week against Fremantle, which he celebrated two days later by signing a new three-year contract. Will the 19-year-old continue to push his claims for the prize this week?
Brad Johnson kicked off his week with his testimonial celebrations on Sunday, but he’s been talked about for different reasons since. Jason Akermanis had him in the gun for being a liability to the team, which prompted Eade to then defend his veteran skipper’s form. How will Johnson respond?
QUESTION MARKS
Shane Mumford has had over 30 hit-outs in five of his last six games. This week he comes up against Ben Hudson and Jordan Roughead. Can he continue his dominance?
There’s no easy way to put it - the Dogs were destroyed by Geelong last week. Against Roos’ stoppage-specialist mob, will they rediscover their tenacity and contested ball ability?
The Dogs have won just one game at the SCG since 2003. Can they turn things around?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
While both sides have plenty to play for - the Swans a home final and the Dogs a confirmed top-four position - the latter has more pride to restore after last weekend. With Barry Hall returning to the SCG and a host of other key Bulldogs available for inclusion, there are no excuses for the Dogs. While the Swans play well at the SCG - six wins from their past seven starts - this is one the Dogs need to win to restore their own self belief.
PREDICTION
Western Bulldogs by 23 points
Chat with host Paul Johnson and other fans in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au from 6.40pm Saturday or join the conversation on Twitter: #aflswansdogs.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
