NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 7 Preview

By Michael DiFabrizio

Hawthorn vs. Sydney Swans – Saturday 7.40pm (MCG)

A Grand Final re-match is in store for the Swans (5-1, 4th) as they return to the MCG to face Hawthorn (5-1, 5th).

Much like last year’s decider, once again we’ll see a battle of attack versus defence.

The Swans may be down to fourth for points against, from first last season, but they’ve laid 168 tackles in their past two matches and rank second for defensive 50 efficiency.

The Hawks, meanwhile, are already averaging 114 points per game (ranked third) and are second for forward 50 efficiency – not bad considering they are yet to play a team that didn’t make last year’s finals.

It’s worth noting that the Swans have played four non-finalists, so in comparison their draw has been rather cruisy.

The battle that personifies these two teams will continue to be Ted Richards on Buddy Franklin. Buddy will be desperate to break out of a form slump that’s seen him held goalless his past two matches.

If Richards can contain the most dangerous opponent in the league, it will go a long way to ensuring a Swans win.

Hawthorn

B: J Gibson, B Lake, L Hodge

HB: B Guerra, B Stratton, G Birchall

C: L Shiels, S Mitchell, B Hill

HF: P Puopolo, L Franklin, S Burgoyne

F: J Gunston, J Roughead, L Breust

R: D Hale, B Sewell, J Lewis

I/C: M Osborne, I Smith, T Duryea, J Simpkin

EMG: M Spangher, K Cheney, M Bailey

Sydney Swans

B: N Malceski, H Grundy, N Smith

HB: M Mattner, T Richards, J McVeigh

C: L Jetta, R O’Keefe, B McGlynn

HF: D Hannebery, S Reid, K Jack

F: A Goodes, M Pyke, L Parker

R: S Mumford, J Kennedy, J Bolton

I/C: T Armstrong, C Bird, J Lamb, D Rampe

EMG: M Morton, T Walsh, J White

GWS GIANTS vs. Adelaide Crows – Sunday 1.10pm (Skoda Stadium)

The GIANTS (0-6, 18th) return to Skoda Stadium for the first time this season to face Adelaide (2-4, 12th).

Adelaide have gotten off to a slow start but a competitive showing against Hawthorn last week, in spite of the recent loss of spearhead Taylor Walker, showed that perhaps they are turning a corner.

The Crows have been strong defensively but are struggling in the contest and going forward. They average eight less contested possessions than their opponents (ranked 15th) and they are 16th for disposal efficiency.

The GIANTS last week showed that their forward line can fire against a good defence – Jeremy Cameron’s six goals was testament to that – so they’ll be looking for a repeat at home this week.

Tom Scully is one man the GIANTS will look to. His improved performance last week was closer to the potential he promised as a junior and the coaching staff will be hoping it was not a one-off.

GWS GIANTS

B: T Mohr, S Gilham, A Kennedy

HB: T Greene, J Bruce, S Reid

C: A Treloar, C Ward, L Whitfield

HF: J Cameron, J Giles, R Palmer

F: D Smith, A Tomlinson, T Adams

R D Brogan, T Scully, J Townsend

I/C: S Coniglio, S Darley, S Edwards, S Frost, A Corr, D Shiel, Z Williams

In: Brogan, Darley, Kennedy, Edwards, Whitfield　

Out: C Hampton (Omitted) , T Bugg (Omitted)

Adelaide

B: A Otten, B Rutten, L Brown

HB: D Mackay, D Talia, B Reilly

C: B Smith, S Thompson, B Vince

HF: P Dangerfield, S McKernan, J Porplyzia

F: T Lynch, J Jenkins, M Wright

R: S Jacobs, R Douglas, R Sloane

I/C: N van Berlo, M Jaensch, S Kerridge, J Lyons, I Callinan, R Henderson R Laird

In: van Berlo, Callinan , Henderson, Laird　

Out: R Tambling (Omitted)

NSW/ACT Notes

St Kilda’s　Justin Koschitzke　(Brocklesby) was suspended for two matches during the week for his hit on Jamie Elliot. After starting the season in the VFL, last weekend was his second senior game for the year. Sam Gilbert (St George) is also out of the Saints side with a knee injury.

Ruckman Orren Stephenson (Mangoplah-CUE) is set to make his Richmond debut after being named in the side to play Port Adelaide. Stephenson played six games for Geelong last season before moving to the Tigers in the off-season.

Jarrod Witts

NEAFL – Round 8

Ainslie vs. Queanbeyan – Saturday 2.00pm (Ainslie)

Hills Eagles vs. Eastlake – Saturday 2.00pm (Bruce Purser)

UWS GIANTS vs. Sydney Swans – Sunday 9.30am (Blacktown)

Tuggeranong vs. Sydney Uni – Sunday 11.45am (Greenway)

Belconnen – Bye

(St Ives) is out of the Collingwood side for their game against Fremantle, although he’s been named as an emergency.