The Sydney Swans travel to the MCG to face the reigning premier Hawthorn in a crucial Saturday night clash
THIS should be one of the games of the season and quite possibly a preview of this year's Grand Final.
The Swans have been outstanding in winning their past 12 matches and could be bolstered by the return of Kurt Tippett and Dan Hannebery to an already-powerful side.
But Josh Gibson and Brad Hill are back for Hawthorn, which is inching closer towards full strength at the right time of the year.
The teams are evenly matched, but the Hawks may have an edge in outside run which counts for plenty at the MCG.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday July 26, 7.40pm AEST
R8, 2014, Sydney Swans 15.17 (107) d Hawthorn 13.10 (88) at ANZ Stadium
1QF, 2013, Hawthorn 15.15 (105) d Sydney Swans 7.9 (51) at the MCG
R23, 2013, Hawthorn 17.10 (112) d Sydney Swans 16.4 (100) at ANZ Stadium
R7, 2013, Hawthorn 18.11 (119) d Sydney Swans 12.10 (82) at the MCG
GF, 2012, Sydney Swans 14.7 (91) d Hawthorn 11.15 (81) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. In the Swans' win over the Hawks earlier this season Kurt Tippett booted four goals, Dan Hannebery was the star with 40 possessions and two goals and Lance Franklin kicked 2.7 against his former side.
2. The Hawks remain second for Inside 50s in 2014 averaging 57.7 per game but the Swans aren’t far behind, ranked 3rd with 56.7 per game.
3. In 156 contests between the sides Hawthorn holds an 86-68 edge, with two draws.
4. The Swans will need to create history to beat the Hawks; the Swans have won 12 straight games since round five; four times they’ve now won 12 consecutive games, but never before have won 13 in a row.
5. Hawthorn continues to be the highest scoring side in 2014 kicking more goals than anyone, 274; 18 more than Port Adelaide in second; The Swans are fourth with 224 goals.
6. Kieren Jack (eighth), Josh Kennedy (ninth) and Lance Franklin (10th) will be the highest-ranked players on the ground according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. 200-gamer Jarryd Roughead is the leading Hawk at No.15.
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04:36
Best of the Best, presented by bitcoin.com.au - Round 7
Re-live the moment the Sydney Swans won the 2012 Grand Final, courtesy of a magic goal from Nick Malceski, and Ben Ronke's incredible seven goals in just this third game in the AFL.
06:43
"I pride myself on being consistent" - Rowbottom
Hear from Swans star James Rowbottom ahead of his 100th AFL game.
09:01
"We saw what Hawthorn did last week" - Longmire
Hear from Swans senior coach John Longmire as he addresses the media ahead of our clash with Hawthorn.
James Rowbottom is set to become the 142nd Swans 100-gamer this Sunday afternoon.
Opposition Watch – Round 7 v Hawthorn
We take a look at our Round 7 opposition, Hawthorn, ahead of Sunday's clash at the MCG.
TEAM: Squad to face Hawthorn named
An extended squad to face Hawthorn at the MCG in Round 7 has been named, with the final team to be confirmed on Friday, April 26.
Hall of Fame Bio: Ron Clegg
As we reflect on the club's 150 year history, which began in South Melbourne in 1874 and then to the harbour city in 1982, we will take a look back each week and feature our Sydney Swans Hall of Fame.