Swans primed for Pies battle

Of the 22 Sydney Swans that will run out on to ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, just five have tasted victory against the Collingwood Magpies while wearing the red and white.

It has been seven years since the Swans defeated the ‘Pies by just one point in Round 13, 2005.

The Swans went on to break their 72-year Premiership drought later that year but in the 10 games between these two clubs since, the Swans haven’t registered a win.

Young Swans midfielder Luke Parker was just 12 at the time and the now 19-year-old is set to face last year’s Grand Finalists for the first time this weekend.

“I haven’t played Collingwood, so I’m expecting it will be a big midfield battle,” Parker told the Sydney Swans website.

“They’ve got some of the most elite midfielders in the competition, so I’m really looking forward to the challenge.

“We need to win the hard ball and have everyone play their role, and basically everyone needs to keep doing what they’ve been doing because it’s been working.”

The Swans are hoping a crowd of more than 50,000 will be at ANZ to watch the top-of-the-table clash and with the Magpies enjoying huge support in NSW, the Swans will be hoping to see as many fans as possible in red and white on Saturday night.

To get your tickets for the big game visit: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SWANS2012

To see what Luke Parker had to say please visit: http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7106/newsid/143947/default.aspx

For the match preview please visit: http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7106/newsid/143932/default.aspx