NSW/ACT Notebook: Finals preview

By Michael DiFabrizio

Hawthorn vs. Sydney Swans – Friday 7.50pm (MCG)

For the second Friday night in a row, the Swans (15-6-1, 4th) will take on the Hawks (19-3, 1st).

This time, a ticket to the preliminary final is on the line.

The key differences in personnel will favour the Swans. While the Hawks have lost Buddy Franklin to suspension, Swans coach John Longmire has labelled Kurt Tippett, Dan Hannebery and Nick Smith certain inclusions and Lewis Jetta is a possible return.

The Hawks may get back Cyril Rioli, ruckman Max Bailey and Brent Guerra.

Jarryd Roughead has been in form against Sydney this year, kicking four goals in each of their clashes. Buddy’s absence may mean the Swans can afford to put more attention into Roughead.

At the other end, Tippett is yet to face the Hawks in red and white. However, when he faced Brian Lake’s Bulldogs last year he was held goalless while Lake took ten marks.

It’ll be worth keeping an eye on Gary Rohan, who has shown in short bursts what he’s capable of in his three games back. The stats thus far haven’t flattered him, but his impact is slowly increasing and at the right time of year.

One area of concern for the Swans going into September is their record against top eight opposition. The Hawks have won seven of their ten games against the eventual finalists, but the Swans have won only three of their ten with one draw.

It’s not a convincing strike rate, but they do have a history of proving doubters wrong in September. Especially when the task is Hawthorn at the MCG.

NSW/ACT Notes

Sydney Swans pair Jude Bolton and Adam Goodes currently share the lead for most finals appearances in club history, with 23 each. If Goodes can’t make it back this week Bolton will pull ahead.

The GWS GIANTS may have finished the year with just four points to their name, but they can look to their cross-town rivals for hope about what can follow a one-win season.

The Sydney Swans won once in 1993. Three years later, they were minor premiers and a Grand Final side. Things can change quickly.

NSW/ACT TV Guide

Fri 7.30pm – Hawthorn vs. Sydney Swans (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 2.00pm – Geelong vs. Fremantle (7, Fox Footy)
Sat 7.30pm – Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sun 3.00pm – Richmond vs. Carlton (7mate, Fox Footy)

NEAFL (Preliminary Final) – Northern Conference

Aspley vs. Southport – Sunday 2.15pm (Yeronga – Leyshon Park)

Winner plays Brisbane Lions in the Northern Conference final.

NEAFL (Preliminary Final) – Eastern Conference

Belconnen vs. Ainslie – Saturday 2.00pm (Kippax)

Winner plays Sydney Swans reserves in the Eastern Conference final.