NSW/ACT Notebook: Semi-final preview
By Michael DiFabrizio
Sydney Swans vs. Carlton – Saturday 7.45pm (ANZ Stadium)
Finals football returns to Sydney as the Sydney Swans host Carlton.
The Swans have fallen back on their second chance after losing to Hawthorn, while the Blues have made the most of their late finals entry by knocking out Richmond in a comeback win.
In terms of recent history, Sydney beat Carlton in their only two meetings the past two years and also won the last ANZ meeting between these sides – a five-point elimination final thriller in 2010.
But the Blues have a strange form of momentum right now. Since eighth spot was put back on the table after the Essendon penalties were handed down, the Blues have beaten two fellow finalists, Port Adelaide and the Tigers.
Those wins came despite scoring an average of 33 first-half points across the two games – they’ve stormed home with an average of 77 second-half points.
This could be cause for concern for the Swans, who dropped the ball after half time the past two weeks against the Hawks.
However, for the Blues, the task of bringing down Sydney on their home turf will be greater than their assignments the past two weeks. They won’t be allowed the luxury of an uninspired start.
Despite a difficult three weeks, the Swans have in the past month seen Kieren Jack and Josh Kennedy return to their damaging best.
Kurt Tippett, too, remains a big threat and it would seem the Swans have the potential to stretch the Blues’ defence. Port’s Jay Schulz and Justin Westhoff had six goals between them against Carlton two weeks ago while two of Richmond’s talls were multiple goal kickers last week.
How will they handle Tippett, Jesse White and Mike Pyke?
There’s also the prospect of Adam Goodes returning this week. It has been a race against the clock, but Goodes and the big stage have proven to be a very healthy combination. If he does make it, don’t rule out big things.
For the winner, it’ll be a date with Fremantle at Patersons Stadium. For the loser, it’s lights out for 2013.
NSW/ACT Notes
Jarrad McVeigh (Pennant Hills) twisted his right knee late in last week’s game and is also carrying a left calf injury. He’s considered to be in some doubt for tis week’s game but the Swans are optimistic he’ll be right.
Tom Hawkins (Finley) is fairly likely to make it back for Geelong’s final against Port Adelaide after missing last week due to his back injury. The Cats are making contingency plans, however.
Josh Bruce (Eastlake) is reportedly interested in a move to St Kilda. According to Jon Ralph of the Herald Sun, the GWS GIANTS key defender has requested a trade.
NSW/ACT TV Guide
Fri 7.30pm – Geelong vs. Port Adelaide (7mate, Fox Footy)
Sat 7.30pm – Sydney Swans vs. Carlton (7, Fox Footy)
NEAFL (Northern Conference Final)
Brisbane Lions vs. Aspley – Sunday 1.15pm (Yeronga)
Winner advances to Grand Final
NEAFL (Eastern Conference Final)
Sydney Swans vs. Belconnen – Sunday 2.15pm (Kippax)
Winner advances to Grand Final
