WHERE AND WHEN: Metricon Stadium, Saturday July 28, 7.40pm
LAST TIME: Sydney Swans 15.16 (106) d Gold Coast 4.12 (36), Round 16, 2011, at Metricon Stadium
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
Despite leading the competition, the Sydney Swans are still flying under the radar and will head to the Gold Coast hot favourites to maintain their position.
With Adam Goodes still finding his feet after a long injury layoff, the Swans' elite yet under-rated midfield has stepped up to provide plenty of scoring opportunities for its multi-pronged forward line. Although the Suns are stranded in 17th position, a narrow loss against Geelong, an after-the-siren win over Richmond and a butchered loss against the Brisbane Lions shows they've been more than competitive in the past three weeks.
Talking Tactics with Bluey
Guy McKenna takes us inside the SUNS' camp to look at what the SUNS will need to bring to this crucial clash for the fledging side.
The Four Points
GOLD COAST
1. The Suns have shown a dramatic improvement in both form and consistency since being embarrassed by West Coast in round 14. They've had chances to win the past three matches (with a win against Richmond sandwiched between losses against Geelong and the Lions) but can't drop their bundle against the Swans with winnable fixtures against Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney to follow.
2. Despite the agony of losing in the final three minutes to the rival Lions, there was plenty to like about the Suns' performance. The 'effort' indicators were outstanding. Led by captain Gary Ablett (nine) and teenager Dion Prestia (eight), Gold Coast won the clearances 43-22, the tackles 48-36 and narrowly trailed in the contested possessions (144-147). They'll need to replicate that - or better - against the Swans.
3. Whatever the Suns are doing with their goalkicking, they need to change, because in the past month it has been abysmal. They have converted at less than 40 per cent in the past four rounds and the 5.18 against the Lions arguably cost them a chance to notch their first win at Metricon Stadium. It's not just the forwards either, with the contagious disease spreading to the midfield.
4. While Gold Coast's defenders have fallen over like nine pins with injury this season, it may have helped unearth an unlikely stopper in Charlie Dixon. The burly Queenslander was recruited as a forward-ruck, but with Nathan Bock, Rory Thompson and Seb Tape all out for the rest of 2012, Dixon got his chance in the back half in the past fortnight. He rotated between Jonathan Brown and Daniel Merrett last week and managed to gather 18 disposals, seven marks and four clearances in the process.
SYDNEY SWANS
1. Sitting on top of the ladder for the past three weeks, the Swans need to keep winning to stay there on a congested table. With a terribly tough run home, including games against Collingwood and Hawthorn in Sydney and the Cats in Geelong, a strong win over the Suns is a must.
2. The Swans have regularly been on the road in 2012, including stops in Adelaide, Launceston, Melbourne and Perth. But they have performed strongly, beating Port Adelaide, Hawthorn, Essendon and West Coast on their home turfs, coupled with losses to Richmond and St Kilda. They also comfortably won their first trip to the Gold Coast last year by 70 points.
3. Josh Kennedy was back to his brilliant best against St Kilda last week to lead a midfield that is full of confidence. Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton, Jarrad McVeigh and Dan Hannebery are also in terrific form. Gary Ablett obviously needs to be closely watched by the Swans, but they will back themselves to get on top in the all-important midfield battle.
4. Can the Suns find a way through the best defensive unit in the AFL? The Swans have been outstanding defensively this season, conceding just over 70 points a game and giving up 100 points just once all year - against the Saints in round nine. Gold Coast will have its work cut out for it trying to find a way past Ted Richards, Heath Grundy, Rhyce Shaw and co.
GC SUNS Team Lineup
Gold Coast
In: D.Stanley , S.May , T.Hine
Out: M.Rischitelli (Knee) , S.Day (Rested) , J.Hall (Omitted)
Sydney
In: T.Dennis-Lane , L.Parker
Out: A.Everitt (Omitted) , S.Mumford (Knee)
Team Anouncement: Stanley among SUNS to return
Key Match-Ups
Gary Ablett v Kieran Jack
The son of former rugby league champion has a history of playing on the Gold Coast SUNS skipper. Jack’s game has grown in recent years to win as much of footy as opponent, but he will have his work cut out to stop one of the games best.
Zac Smith v Mike Pyke
The battle in the ruck will be vital. The Swans are missing their best ruckman, Shane Mumford, however the rugby union convert Pyke has been might impressive. Smith will be hoping to give his midfield first hand use of the ball again this week, an area of the game that the SUNS smashed the Brisbane Lions last week, winning the clearances 43 to 22.
Matthew Warnock v Sam Reid
This match-up will see the GC SUNS number one defender up against the Swans young up and coming forward Sam Reid. Reid, who was born just days before the GC SUNS window opened to recruit 17-year-old talent during the clubs build phase has developed into one of the best young key forward in the game. The experienced Warnock will need to keep Reid quiet if the SUNS are to be in with a shot.
Harley Bennell v Craig Bird
Harley Bennell is one of the most talked about youngsters in years. The Swans are likely planning to smother the skilful SUN with Craig Bird. Bird gets a job weekly with the Swans, usually on the opposition’s most dangerous player. In recent weeks Bird has tagged St Kilda’s Nick Dal Santo, West Coast Eagle Shannon Hurn and Brisbane Lion Daniel Rich.
INTERESTING STAT
Shane Mumford hasn’t played in any of the Swan’s losses in 2012.
Milestone: Jarrod Harbrow's 100th game
Match Day
