NSW/ACT Notebook: Prelim Final preview

By Michael DiFabrizio

Fremantle vs. Sydney Swans – Saturday 7.45pm (Patersons Stadium)

A trip west to take on the Dockers is what stands between the Swans and a place in the Grand Final.

The only other 2013 meeting of these sides was a draw at the SCG, but Freo are in strong form after upsetting Geelong two weeks ago.

How the Swans would’ve loved to have had their week off, too, given Kurt Tippett and Tom Mitchell are now sidelined by injury.

Still, recent history suggests it has the potential to be a very close battle. Last year the Swans beat the men in purple by 13 points – and that’s the biggest margin in their last four encounters.

These sides are both defensively-minded, ranking one and two for points against this year, but the Swans have been far more potent in attack, averaging 102 points per game (ranked fourth) versus the Dockers’ 92.5 (12th).

The league’s No. 1 ruck duo Shane Mumford and Mike Pyke will have a tough assignment on their hands after Aaron Sandilands put in his best performance of the year two weeks ago.

In the wake of Tippett’s injury, pressure will also be on Jesse White, who becomes a key focal point.

At the other end of the ground, Ted Richards will need to keep a close eye on Matthew Pavlich, another Docker finding form after spending time out injured.

With a Grand Final spot to be won, expect the battles to be intense.

NSW/ACT Notes

Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) and Kieren Jack (Pennant Hills) were both named in the All-Australian team this week, at half back and half forward respectively.

The other Sydney Swans player to make the team was Dan Hannebery, named on the interchange.

The GWS GIANTS, meanwhile, had an All-Australian named for the first time with Jeremy Cameron being given full forward honours.

Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) is expected to return to the Swans line-up this week while Lewis Roberts-Thomson (North Shore) is an outside chance.

In the other prelim, NSW and the ACT will be well represented through Isaac Smith (Temora), Luke Breust (Temora) and possibly Taylor Duryea (Wahgunyah) at Hawthorn and Tom Hawkins (Finley) at Geelong.

Some more notes on the Sydney Swans: Shane Mumford is due for his 100th game and Jude Bolton will become the outright holder of the record for most finals in Swans history.

NSW/ACT TV Guide

Fri 7.30pm – Hawthorn vs. Geelong (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 7.30pm – Fremantle vs. Sydney Swans (7, Fox Footy)

NEAFL (Grand Final)

Brisbane Lions vs. Sydney Swans – Saturday 12.30pm (Aspley)