The return of injury-plagued Sydney Swans defender Alex Johnson for Saturday’s clash with Collingwood at the SCG headlines the latest edition of Hot Topics.
He's back!
Johnson will play his first senior match in 2136 days in Sydney’s clash with Collingwood. The 26-year-old hasn’t played an AFL game since Sydney’s gripping 10-point victory over Hawthorn in the 2012 grand final. He has since undergone five knee reconstructions, seven other knee surgeries, a recurring knee infection and a recent bout of groin surgery. While the Swans have played 142 AFL games since the 2012 grand final, Johnson has played just 16 NEAFL matches. He has received his shot at the AFL off the back of seven NEAFL games in a row and told reporters on Wednesday his body felt as good as ever.
Return to the winners' column
The Swans have their sights firmly set on responding to back-to-back losses. They put up a valiant fight against the Bombers at Etihad Stadium last Friday but fell to a 43-point defeat. The ninth-placed Swans now find themselves outside the top eight for the first time since the completion of Round 5 and will relish the chance to return to winning ways in front of a home crowd. Coach John Longmire has underscored the importance of applying immense pressure at the contest in the Magpies clash.
Tight ladder
The mid-ladder logjam means there will be little room for error over the remaining four rounds of the season. While Collingwood sits in third and Sydney ninth, just one win separates the two sides in a telling indication of the chaotic road to the finals ahead. Sydney, North Melbourne (10th), Essendon (11th) and Adelaide (12th) all remain in contention for a finals berth.
Cunningham’s 100th
Sydney young gun Harry Cunningham will become the third Swan to run out for his 100th AFL game this season. The boy from Wagga Wagga signed with the Swans at the rookie draft in 2011 and made an instant impact at the Club, earning his debut in Round 1, 2012. His lightning-quick speed, sound football smarts and ability to play a number of positions make him of invaluable service to the Swans.
Commemorative Guernsey
The Swans will take on the Magpies in a special 1918 Commemorative Guernsey to celebrate South Melbourne’s second premiership, a thrilling five-point victory over Collingwood 100 years ago. The Guernsey features South Melbourne’s iconic red sash and collar, the names of the 18 premiership players, details of the match and the original Swans logo.
