SUMMARY
In terms of games with significant finals ramifications attached, none come bigger than Sunday's contest at the MCG. The Demons' final three-game stretch is as tough any team in the competition, with the Eagles (away) and Greater Western Sydney (MCG) to come, so a win over Sydney on home soil would be enormous for the team's belief. Despite the possible return of Dan Hannebery from a calf injury, Melbourne should have a significant advantage in the midfield with the Demons ranked No.1 in the AFL for contested possessions and centre clearances. Stopping Lance Franklin up forward and curbing the influence of Aliir Aliir down back will be crucial to the Demons' chances of winning this game. Sydney's form line has been up and down in the past month but as always John Longmire's side will be no easy beats.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, August 12, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R15, 2017, Sydney Swans 11.19 (85) d Melbourne 7.8 (50) at the MCG
R13, 2016, Sydney Swans 12.14 (86) d Melbourne 4.7 (31) at the SCG
R6, 2015, Sydney Swans 12.16 (88) d Melbourne 7.8 (50) at the MCG
R6, 2014, Sydney Swans 9.15 (69) d Melbourne 5.8 (38) at the MCG
R15, 2013, Sydney Swans 16.20 (116) d Melbourne 13.7 (85) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was a low-scoring affair the last time the sides played with the Swans leading by 20 points at half-time, before kicking six second-half goals to three. Lance Franklin (four goals) was the difference between the teams.
2. Melbourne continues to be the highest-scoring team this season kicking a total of 295 goals, 30 more than the next best team, Richmond. Sydney is equal ninth with 234 goals.
3. The Swans have dominated the Demons recently, winning the past six matches including a 101-point thrashing in 2012. Melbourne last won in round 17, 2010 by 73 points.
4. A win for Melbourne and it will the first time since 2006 it will be in the top four after round 21 of a season. Sydney has not been outside the top eight as of round 21, since 2009.
5. Melbourne is ranked first for inside 50s and for marks inside 50 this season. The Swans have struggled taking the ball inside 50, ranked 15th in the competition.
6. Demons defender Christian Salem was the third-highest scoring player of round 20, notching 27.2 Schick AFL Player Ratings points against the Suns.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Sam Frost and Melbourne's backline. Frost is likely to be thrown the unenviable task of curtailing Lance Franklin, who was unstoppable on his way to booting six goals against Collingwood last week. With Joel Smith ruled out with a broken collarbone, Melbourne's defence will again be forced to undergo a reshuffle.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 16 points
