Buddy in rare touch
There is one man that is a dominant force in the game at the moment, his name Lance Franklin. Buddy has been in scintillating form this season and his presence in Saturday night’s win over Greater Western Sydney was on display for all to see. After going head to head with Phil Davis in a tough tussle for three quarters the superstar forward took it upon himself in the last quarter to get his side over the line starting with a booming set shot from beyond 50metres on the boundary. Franklin currently leads the Coleman Medal race with 47 majors to his name with six rounds to play. It is not just his scoreboard impact but his pressure without the footy that continues to scare even the best defenders in the league. It will be up to Jake Carlisle, Dylan Roberton and Nathan Brown to do the job on the power forward on Saturday night at the SCG.

Veterans lead resurgence
Much has been spoken about the improvement from the Swans younger players including Nic Newman, Will Hayward and Lewis Melican since the Swans have turned around a 0-6 start to the season. It is no coincidence however that a return to form in the last two months has coincided with a resurgence in the form of Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh. Both players suffered injury concerns that hampered the start to their season but their influence in recent weeks cannot be underestimated. Jack played his best game of the season on Saturday night against the Giants finishing with 22 touches, seven inside 50s and 10 tackles. In just his fifth game of the season McVeigh was a standout performer against the Giants with his 21 touches across half back. The influence of the two former co-captains will be instrumental in the Swans surge towards September which continues against the Saints on Saturday night.


Swans SCG stranglehold
The Sydney Swans have a stranglehold over the Saints at the SCG having won every match against their rivals there since Round 18, 2009. It is not only at the SCG that the Swans hold the upper hand having won the past seven contests, including the last five by an average of 69 points. It is not only against the Saints that the Swans currently hold a strong record at the SCG having won four of their last five at the venue this season. Will they continue to make their home ground a fortress on Saturday night? Only time will tell.

The ruck role
Sydney Swans big man Sam Naismith has been going it alone since Round 15 after a decision was made by the match committee to use Dean Towers and Sam Reid as back ups. Naismith was extremely impressive against Shane Mumford on Saturday night winning the hit out count 45-37. He will be going up against Tom Hickey or Billy Longer (pending fitness) this Saturday night in a duel that could have a significant influence on who wins the match. With both teams possessing strong midfield groups it could be whoever gets their hands first on the footy to give their side an advantage going forward that becomes the most important factor in the match. Naismith has shown he has an ability to run out a game and could once again be called upon to do the task by himself this week.

Pride Game
The Sydney Swans will play in the first Pride Game for premiership points in Sydney on Saturday night. After playing in the inaugural Pride Game against St Kilda last season it is the SCG’s turn to host the occasion. There will be plenty happening around the ground in the lead up to the match as we look to ensure everyone is welcome to watch the football in an inclusive and respectful environment no matter who they are. The Club also this week launched a Diversity Action Plan outlining four key pillars – Disability Empowerment, LGBTIQ Pride, Multicultural Inclusion, Advancement of Women.