SlingshotFooty
Team Captain
The Swans have never lost to Suns and look to keep that streak alive this Saturday at 2:10pm (or Friday at 9pm Pacific Standard Time) at the SCG. The recent form of the two clubs, along with their history, would indicate that will hopefully be the case.
History:
R16, 2017, Sydney 17.16 (118) d Gold Coast 7.9 (51) at the SCG
R11, 2016, Sydney 11.13 (79) d Gold Coast 6.5 (41) at Metricon Stadium
R23, 2015, Sydney 19.13 (127) d Gold Coast 9.10 (64) at the SCG
R10, 2015, Sydney 13.15 (93) d Gold Coast 5.11 (41) at Metricon Stadium
R12, 2014, Sydney 17.7 (109) d Gold Coast 10.14 (74) at Metricon Stadium
R02, 2013, Sydney 17.12 (114) d Gold Coast 11.7 (73) at the SCG
R18, 2012, Sydney 19.12 (126) d Gold Coast 8.6 (54) at Metricon Stadium
R16, 2011, Sydney 15.16 (106) d Gold Coast 4.12 (36) at Metricon Stadium
R All, 1874-2010, Sydney/South Melbourne d Gold Coast (forfeit)
Injuries:
Sydney:
Sydney had it's fair share of injuries against Geelong with former captains Jarrad McVeigh breaking his collar bone (out for a month) and Kieren Jack still suffering from a medial (test, but unlikely) the young boys stepped up against North. Good news though that current captain Josh Kennedy, who had back spasms last week against North, might be able to get up after just a 6 day break.
Gold Coast:
Ben Ainsworth (lower leg) and Steven May (hip) are tests that expect to play. Jack Bowes is also a test with a hammy, but not as certain. Some key definite outs, whom are all out for the season, include Tom Lynch (knee), Aaron Hall (Pec), Sam Day (Shoulder), and Gary Ablett (team change)
Recent Form:
The Swans bounced back nicely against North with a great comeback victory in the final two minutes to win by 6 points on Aliir Aliir's match winner. The Suns, losers of 11 in a row can't seem to string any good footy together with nine of those 11 losses being by six goals or more.
In's & Out's
No not that kind of In n Out....
To the teams!
Sydney have their 6th debutante this season in Darcy Cameron! It should be one of the most low stress first games out there for Cameron as Dan Robinson makes way. As for the Suns, David Swallow has been deemed to old to make the trip and notably Jack Martin goes out with a (I looked everywhere and couldn't find out what it was...sorry about that). Schoenfield has been dropped for young speedster Jacob Heron. Also, note that JPK was able to recover form the back spasms and will play (great news!). Reg has also been listed as an emergency which is good, but probably no reason to rush him back with Lynch missing the game as he's out for the season and possibly longer as he will most likely be suffering from the same injury as Gary Ablett next year.
Notes:
- Lance Franklin currently sits 2nd in the Coleman medal race with 42 goals, 8 behind the current lead North's Ben Brown.
- Gold Coast have the worst disposal efficiency in the competition at 66.4% (Swans are 8th at 72.8%).
- The Swans currently sit 2nd in goal accuracy shooting at 51.5% (Gold Coast are last at 40.7%)
- Both clubs are 1st (GC) and 2nd (Syd) in regards to rebound 50s with Gold Coast average 47 and the Swans 44 a game.
- This will be Stuart Dew's first game against the club he had been an assistant coach at for the last eight years.
Final Thoughts:
Defense will be key for the Swans. Forcing the Suns into rushed turnovers and slingshotting (yes that's a verb) quickly down the corridor could be an effective way to get the percentage the Swans will need to hold a top four spot. Currently on the ladder only two percentage points separate three teams (Col, Syd, Port) for 3rd - 5th on 44 points. Melbourne also sit 6th at a healthy 130.2% with 40 points. This chance for a big percentage booster cannot go begging. In order to keep a top for chance alive, especially with some tough games coming up against like teams, both ladder and percentage-wise, the Swans could use a need a big win. Firstly though, the four points must be won and hopefully Horse will see to that.
Stopping the Suns' rebound 50's could also go a long ways into getting the Suns uncomfortable and unsure how to attack quickly down the field. Ronke and Papley could be the most important players in regards to this with their outstanding forward pressure. I don't see why that would drop off this game and hope they can steal a couple extra goals through turnovers.
Prediction:
The Swans should only look to push the scoreline if prudent. Gold Coast have most likely phoned in their season, so a big first quarter could break their confidence and allow for a 10 to 12 goal victory.
Swans by 63, Buddy to kick 5, and Parker to be BoG.
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