SUMMARY
Things don't get any easier for Essendon when they travel to Sydney to take on the Swans for a Saturday twilight clash. As they have done in most games in 2016, the Bombers showed some positive signs against Carlton last week but again couldn't produce enough pressure for long enough to get themselves a win. The Swans just got over the line against Brisbane last week and while not overly happy with their performance, the players were glad to bank another four points. If nothing else, the young Bombers midfield will learn plenty playing against the likes of Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack and company at the SCG, but they'll need something special to arrest a shocking eight-match losing record on the road.
A likely test looms for Michael Hartley against Swans superstar Lance Franklin. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday, May 7, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R1, 2015, Sydney Swans 10.12 (72) d Essendon 9.6 (60) at ANZ Stadium
R19, 2014, Sydney Swans 11.13 (79) d Essendon 8.9 (57) at the SCG
R9, 2014, Sydney Swans 18.6 (114) d Essendon 9.10 (64) at Etihad Stadium
R10, 2013, Sydney Swans 17.13 (115) d Essendon 10.11 (71) at the SCG
R11, 2012, Sydney Swans 13.8 (86) d Essendon 11.16 (82) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round one, 2015, the Bombers led by 34 points at three-quarter-time before the Swans kicked seven goals to nothing in the final term to win. Lance Franklin booted three goals.
2. The Swans are the number one ranked team for inside 50s this season with an average of 64.7 per game, while Essendon is 17th with only 45.8.
3. Essendon has struggled against the Swans recently, losing seven of the last eight games between the two sides, including the last five. Their last win was in round 20, 2011, by one point at Etihad Stadium.
4. The Bombers' scoring has dried up and they're ranked last in the competition, managing only 60 points per game. In the last two weeks they’ve kicked a total of just three goals in the first half.
5. The Swans are undefeated at the SCG in 2016 from three games and since the start of 2015 they've won nine of 11 games at the venue. Essendon has lost their last eight interstate games.
6. Essendon will be having nightmares about the Swans' midfield, with four of the home side's onballers all inside the top 50 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Josh Kennedy sits in 10th spot, with Luke Parker (20th), Dan Hannebery (30th) and Kieren Jack (41st) also flying.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Michael Hartley
The key defender will likely take on Swans superstar Lance Franklin - a player with over 700 goals, three Coleman medals and two premierships on his resume - in just his sixth game of senior footy. Hartley will need plenty of help from his midfielders to have any chance of limiting Buddy's influence, but he's shown so far this season that he's ready and willing to have a crack at any challenge.
PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 77 points.
