Likely line-up
B Nick Smith Heath Grundy Dane Rampe
HB Nick Malceski Ted Richards Jarrad McVeigh
C Lewis Jetta Kieren Jack Gary Rohan
HF Craig Bird Lance Franklin Luke Parker
F Adam Goodes Kurt Tippett Ben McGlynn
Ruck Mike Pyke Dan Hannebery Josh Kennedy
Int from Rhyce Shaw, Tom Mitchell, Harry Cunningham, Jeremy Laidler, Sam Reid, Jake Lloyd, Shane Biggs
Defence: Ranked first in the league for points conceded. Watch for the Swans to try and get the footy in Malceski’s hands as often as possible coming out of the backline. Ted Richards is a grand performer and will take Matthew Pavlich. Nick Smith is sure to get the job on either Hayden Ballantyne or Michael Walters. Jarrad McVeigh is all class off the half-back line.
Midfield: Mike Pyke has been building throughout the season but faces the toughest test for a ruckman when he lines up against Aaron Sandilands. Speedsters Jetta and Rohan are in fine touch in 2014, a far cry from their interrupted 2013 seasons. Sydney is one of the best contested-ball teams in the AFL and that can be attributed to Jack, Hannebery and Kennedy in the engine room.
Forwards: The Swans are as talented as any side when it comes to attacking options. Franklin and Tippett are capable of winning games off their own boots and Reid can also be thrust forward if the Swans want to go tall. Parker is arguably the most improved player in the league this season, while McGlynn and Bird are terriers at ground level.
Sydney Stats in 2014
- 1st long kicks
- 1st contested possessions
- 1st loose ball gets
- 1st tackles
- Lance Franklin most targeted player inside 50 in the AFL
