NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 20 preview

By Michael DiFabrizio

Sydney Swans vs. Collingwood – Saturday 7.40pm (ANZ Stadium)

The Swans (14-3-1, 2nd) return to ANZ Stadium to host Collingwood (12-6, 6th).

The Pies last week accounted for Essendon, knocking them out of the top four, which potentially put an end to a patchy run of form.

At the MCG in Round 9, Sydney won by a convincing 47 points but it has been an up and down year for Collingwood. Perhaps they are hitting form at the right time.

The same could be true of the Swans, who’ve won six in a row and nine of their last ten. All those wins have been by at least 22 points.

The Pies have been aided in recent weeks by the return of Dayne Beams. They are still expecting back Dale Thomas and Clinton Young, but Beams’ 30 disposals a game would be making a huge difference.

The Swans have Adam Goodes, Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid as at least two weeks away. Goodes, notably, was best on ground in Round 9.

Fremantle vs. GWS GIANTS – Sunday 4.40pm (Patersons Stadium)

The GIANTS (1-17, 18th) will look to build on their first win as they travel to meet Fremantle (13-4-1, 4th).

The Dockers returned to the top four last week and the tightest defence in the league makes them a tough team to play, particularly on the road.

That was certainly true around this time last year, when the GIANTS travelled west and received a 95-point belting.

After finally claiming four points last week and with the reserves in strong form, the GIANTS will be entitled to feel like a better result is on the cards.

However, the potential for a reality check can’t be discounted.

The key will be to break through the Dockers defence. In last year’s game, the GIANTS kicked five goals. With Jeremy Cameron looking to improve his standing in the Coleman Medal race, a few more than that might be needed this week.

NSW/ACT Notes

Ted Richards is set to play his 200th game for the Sydney Swans this week.

GWS GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis is in line for his 50th.

Ben McGlynn (Wentworth) has completed his three-match suspension and can return to the Sydney Swans this weekend.

St Kilda have Sam Gilbert (St George) listed as two weeks away with his knee injury and Justin Koschitzke (Brocklesby) as three weeks with a calf.

Tony Armstrong (Burrumbuttock) was among the Swans reserves best this week but will be jostling for senior selection with other NEAFL standouts Rhyce Shaw and Mitch Morton, who kicked six goals.

NSW/ACT TV Guide

Fri 7.30pm – St Kilda vs. Hawthorn (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 1.30pm – Richmond vs. Brisbane Lions (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 2.00pm – Geelong vs. Port Adelaide (Fox Sports 3)
Sat 4.30pm – Carlton vs. Western Bulldogs (Fox Footy)
Sat 7.30pm – Gold Coast Suns vs. Melbourne (Fox Sports 3)
Sat 7.30pm – Sydney Swans vs. Collingwood (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sun 1.00pm – Essendon vs. West Coast Eagles (Fox Footy)
Sun 3.00pm – Adelaide vs. North Melbourne (Fox Sports 3, 11.30pm on 7mate)
Sun 4.30pm – Fremantle vs. GWS GIANTS (7mate, Fox Footy)

NEAFL (Round 21)

Tuggeranong vs. Eastlake – Saturday 2.00pm (Greenway)
Sydney Swans vs. UWS GIANTS – Saturday 4.00pm (ANZ Stadium)
Hills Eagles vs. Sydney Uni – Sunday 2.00pm (Bruce Purser)
Queanbeyan vs. Belconnen – Sunday 2.00pm (Dairy Farmers)
Ainslie – bye