SUMMARY
For a long time now, the Swans have had the better of the Lions, and there's no reason to believe it will be any different on Sunday. Aside from a narrow slip-up against Adelaide in round four, the Swans have been scintillating this year, with Lance Franklin back patrolling the forward line, Ted Richards the backline and a mix of experienced and youthful players making them one of the most versatile midfields in the competition. They smashed West Coast last weekend and face a Lions team that has battled to a 1-4 record and fresh off a hiding from the Western Bulldogs. The Lions will need to turn around their horrible contested ball numbers against the best team in the AFL in that category to have any hope of causing an upset.
WHERE AND WHEN: the Gabba, Sunday, May 1, 1.10pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2015, Sydney Swans 10.10 (70) d Brisbane Lions 7.7 (49) at the Gabba
R7, 2014, Sydney Swans 18.15 (123) d Brisbane Lions 6.8 (44) at the Gabba
R6, 2013, Sydney Swans 17.13 (115) d Brisbane Lions 8.7 (55) at the SCG
R15, 2012, Sydney Swans 16.14 (110) d Brisbane Lions 9.9 (63) at the SCG
R24, 2011, Sydney Swans 18.11 (119) d Brisbane Lions 9.13 (67) at the SCG
The red-hot Dan Hannebery will play his 150th against the Lions. Picture: AFL Media
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans may have won the most recent contest but it was close after leading by just seven points at three quarter-time. Josh Kennedy collected the three Brownlow votes with 41 disposals and nine tackles.
2. The Swans are the number one contested possession team in 2016, averaging 162.6 a game, while the Lions are ranked last with 128.8 a game.
3. The Swans have dominated this contest over a long period, winning the past eight matches, including four wins by more than 50 points. The Lions' last win was in round 22, 2009 at the SCG.
4. With an average of 66.4 a game, the Swans are the top-ranked inside 50 team in 2016. The Lions are ranked 16th with 45.6 a game.
5. No team kicks the ball less than the Brisbane Lions, with 176.4 a game. They’re also ranked 17th for handballs with 152.8 a game.
6. Luke Parker's 25 touches and nine tackles against the Eagles moved him to an equal career-high 24th overall in the AFL Official Player Ratings. He is one of five Swans in the top 50.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Dan Hannebery.
The blonde midfielder plays his 150th game and is in red-hot form to start the season. Hannebery has averaged 29 disposals and four tackles across the first five rounds and again looms as a major key to victory. Lions ruckman Stefan Martin also lines up for his 100th career game – a milestone that has taken him nine seasons to reach.
AFl.com.au PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 35 points
