SUMMARY
The Sydney Swans looked dead and buried for most of their season opener against Essendon, only to surge as the underdone Dons began fading and pinch victory. To make it back-to-back success will be a huge ask, though, against a Port Adelaide outfit that was narrowly outdone by Fremantle in Perth. Despite the loss Ken Hinkley's men would have returned home with plenty of confidence and they will back themselves to rebound in front of a vocal home crowd at the 'Portress'. Make no mistake, this is a heavyweight bout between two teams certain to see September action later in the year.
WHERE AND WHEN: Adelaide Oval, Saturday April 11, 7.10pm
(local)
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2014, Sydney Swans 12.12 (84) d Port Adelaide 7.16 (58) at Adelaide Oval
R13, 2014, Sydney Swans 14.14 (98) d Port Adelaide 13.16 (94) at the SCG
R13, 2013, Port Adelaide 10.12 (72) d Sydney Swans 8.6 (54) at 8.6 (54) at AAMI Stadium
R3, 2012, Sydney Swans 16.9 (105) d Port Adelaide 12.11 (83) at AAMI Stadium
R3, 2011, Sydney Swans 18.13 (121) d Port Adelaide 9.5 (59) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans' two wins over Port Adelaide in 2014 were thanks to their stars; in round 13 at the SCG Lance Franklin dominated with 23 possessions and five goals. In round 20 at Adelaide Oval Josh Kennedy had 34 possessions.
2. The Swans have dominated Port Adelaide in recent seasons, winning 10 of their past 11 matches, including a club-record eight straight wins from 2006-12.
3. This is the 25th contest between the sides and it's the Swans who hold a clear advantage with 17 wins to the Power’s seven.
4. In round one Port Adelaide led the AFL in possessions with 390, and uncontested possessions with 284; in contrast the Swans had the most contested possessions with 176.
5. No player had more contested possessions in the opening round than the Swans' Josh Kennedy (24). Luke Parker also had 17 contested.
6. Lance Franklin remains the game's best key forward according to Official AFL Player Ratings. With almost 572 points to his name he's miles ahead of former Hawthorn teammate Jarryd Roughead (529.3 points)
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Patrick Ryder. The former Bomber didn't have the explosive debut for Port that he or the club's fans would have hoped for. Then again, it was always going to be tough against Aaron Sandilands when Matthew Lobbe was a late withdrawal. If Lobbe can overcome a tight quad and take his place, Ryder would be expecting to cause some havoc at his new home ground.
PREDICTION:Port Adelaide by 19 points
