SUMMARY
The powerful figure of spearhead Lance 'Buddy' Franklin looms large in this contest as the Swans chase their first win of the season. Franklin has feasted on the Blues' defence since moving to the Harbour City, booting 21 goals in four games against them. But Franklin will be hoping for better supply from up the field on Saturday than he has received this season. The winless Swans have made their worst start to a season since 1993 and sit on the bottom for the first time since round 24, 1994. But they appear to have too much talent for Carlton. After being thrashed by Port Adelaide last week, the challenge for the youngsters in Brendon Bolton's team is to put that behind them, with their leaders including skipper Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs and Matthew Kreuzer needing to show the way.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday, April 29, 2.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R18, 2016, Sydney 10.14 (74) d Carlton 10.8 (68) at the SCG
R2, 2016, Sydney 20.11 (131) d Carlton 10.11 (71) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2015, Sydney 19.8 (122) d Carlton 9.8 (62) at the SCG
R17, 2014, Sydney 18.14 (122) d Carlton 7.9 (51) at the SCG
1SF, 2013, Sydney 13.8 (86) d Carlton 8.14 (62) at ANZ Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was a close contest when these clubs last met, with the Blues leading by eight points at half-time. Josh Kennedy picked up three Brownlow votes with 35 disposals, five inside 50s and 12 clearances.
2. Sydney has struggled to score in 2017, ranked in the bottom four with only 75 points a game, compared with 98 in 2016. The Blues are last for scoring with only 67 points a game.
3. Sydney has dominated Carlton recently, winning the past seven matches, including three of the past four by 60 points or more. The Blues last won in round 13, 2011.
4. The Swans are 17th and the Blues 18th for average disposals a game this season. Carlton is last for contested possessions and Sydney is 17th for uncontested possessions.
5. This will be only the 10th time these clubs have played at the MCG. Carlton has won five games to four, but it has been a long time since the last clash between these teams at the venue – the 1986 qualifying final.
6. While the Swans are without a win this season, they have three midfielders near the top of this category in the Schick AFL Player Ratings – captain Josh Kennedy at No.2 overall (630.7 points), Luke Parker at No.13 (525.7) and Dan Hannebery at No 21 (506.4). The top Carlton midfielder is Patrick Cripps (No.39 overall, 460.6).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Patrick Cripps
The star midfielder has endured a tough start to the season after an interrupted pre-season, taking a few hard hits and playing with injury. But he showed plenty of grit under fire against Port Adelaide last Friday night and will be determined to perform well in his 50th AFL appearance on Saturday.
PREDICTION: Sydney by 18 points
