Sydney take on Melbourne
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday May 19, 4.40pm
LAST TIME: Sydney Swans 11.18 (84) drew with Melbourne 11.18 (84), round one, 2011 at the MCG
The Sydney Swans will attempt to rectify their recent form slump when the host the winless Melbourne Demons at the SCG this Saturday.
After an impressive start to the season winning the first five games, the Swans have been below par in the past couple of weeks, losing games to Adelaide at home and Richmond at the MCG.
Though down on their luck and still missing star player Adam Goodes, Sydney should quite comfortably be amongst the winners once again after this clash with Melbourne.
The Demons have had a miserable start to the season in a year that began with so much promise. New coach Mark Neeld has struggled to get his men to play a competent style of footy that would see them competitive; yet a lone win a game of football.
In a timely boost for Melbourne, the Dees are set to welcome back a host of talent with Liam Jurrah, Jack Watts and Brad Green all coming in to the side in what is hoped will give the Dees a much needed dose of flair.
Despite the ins, it will be difficult for Melbourne to match the physicality of Sydney’s much older and experienced bodies, which will go along way in ensuring a Sydney victory.
Josh Kennedy looks set to continue his stunning form in 2012 as Melbourne will struggle to find a winning match up in the middle.
From there it is all down hill, despite the Demons having a few talented forwards on paper, Sydney’s midfield dominance should see them take control of the match early and record their sixth win of the season.
For the Demons, it is all about pride.
The pride in the jumper that will see these young Demons play beyond their experience and show an effort that justifies the privilege they have been afforded of wearing the red and blue.
While Saturday may not be vital in the context of the season, it is vital for the culture of the Melbourne Football Club.
Prediction:
Sydney by 47 points
Melbourne
B: James Frawley, Jared Rivers, Clint Bartram
HB: Jack Grimes, Colin Garland, Tom McDonald
C: Cale Morton, Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones
HF: Jack Trengove, Jack Watts, Liam Jurrah
F: Jeremy Howe, Mitch Clark, Aaron Davey
FOLL: Mark Jamar, Jordie McKenzie, Colin Sylvia
I/C: Jamie Bennell, Sam Blease, Brad Green, James Magner
EMG: Lynden Dunn, James Sellar, Rohan Bail
IN: Brad Green, Liam Jurrah, Sam Blease, Jack Watts
OUT: Rohan Bail, Ricky Petterd, Matthew Bate, Jack Fitzpatrick
Sydney Swans
B: Martin Mattner, Ted Richards, Rhyce Shaw
HB: Nicholas Smith, Heath Grundy, Jarrad McVeigh
C: Lewis Jetta, Josh P. Kennedy, Nick Malceski
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Tommy Walsh, Daniel Hannebery
F: Ben McGlynn, Sam Reid, Trent Dennis-Lane
Foll: Mike Pyke, Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton
I/C: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Craig Bird, Luke Parker, Alex Johnson
EMG: Jesse White, Andrejs Everitt, Tony Armstrong
IN: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Mike Pyke, Tommy Walsh
OUT: Jesse White, Mark Seaby, Andrejs Everitt
NEW: Tommy Walsh (St Kilda)
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