The Sydney Swans face the Melbourne Demons at the MCG on Saturday May 8 in Round 8 of the competition.
The Swans welcome back Lance Franklin and Dane Rampe for the clash, with the two stars returning from injury.
It will be Franklin's first game at the MCG in 1000 days, his last appearance was Round 21, 2018, when coincidentally the Swans also faced the Demons.
A key to the Swans backline, Rampe has missed the last three games due to a finger injury sustained in early April.
Defender Robbie Fox also has been named in the side for the first time in 2021 following an impressive return in the VFL last week, returning from a finger injury sustained in February
Isaac Heeney (ankle) and Lewis Melican (hamstring) will both miss the match due to injuries sustained against the Cats last week.
The undefeated Melbourne side have named two changes to their line up, adding James Harmes and Harry Petty who come in for Adam Tomlinson (injury) and Oskar Baker (omitted).
Callum Mills will play his 100th AFL game.
WHERE TO WATCH
First bounce is 7.25pm and the game will be live on Fox Footy, Channel 7 and Kayo Sports.
Follow all the action via our Match Centre.
We have teamed up with pubs around Sydney to give our Sydney Swans members and fans a home away from home, whether the team is on the road or playing at the SCG. Check out our premium venues, including their food and beverage offers available to our Swans family at our Swans Friendly Venues.
Heading to the game? View our Match Day Hub.
RECENT ENCOUNTERS
Sydney holds the recent head to head advantage over Melbourne, claiming a 21-point victory in the last time these two sides met. The clash occurred in Round 15 of the 2020 season with Justin McInerney and Luke Parker kicking two goals each in the victory.
The Swans also hold a 4-1 record over the last five encounters, and nine of the last 10, with Melbourne’s victory coming in Round 4 of the 2019 season.
Melbourne enter this clash following a 30 point victory over North Melbourne, and remain at the top of the table after 7 victories to kick off their season.
The Swans bounced back last week with a thrilling 2 point victory over Geelong at the SCG and sit 5th on the ladder with 5 wins.
KEY QUOTES
John Longmire
"Lance has been running and doing all the training he has been required to do”
"Dane is obviously a very important player for us and it's great to get him back in the team as well."
"Fox is naturally fit, he is our fittest player as far as his ability to run and he's been able to run with the injury he has had to his hand," Longmire said.
"He played really well last week and trained well so it's great to have him back too."
Callum Mills
“They’ve been great, they’re on top of a lot of key stats and so they should be, they’re number one on the ladder.”
"We’re really looking forward to it, they’ve got a lot of dangerous players that we’re keen to nullify and hopefully put our imprint on the game."
“I think we obviously want to iron out the inconsistencies, I think every team goes through it.”
"You look at the last 10 years and it happens to every good side. The main thing we’re really trying to drive is consistency, so whether it is through a lack of experience or you just have your down days, we’re just trying to iron that out and get the best out of ourselves. “
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