The Sydney Swans travel to Brisbane on Saturday afternoon to take on the Lions in Round 22, with both teams coming off victories.
Brisbane accounted for Collingwood in Round 21 at the MGC by 27 points, while the Swans recorded a 14-point win over Essendon in wet and windy conditions at the SCG.
The 3rd placed Lions will be desperate for a win against the 10th placed Swans as they look to push for a top 4 spot, while for Sydney it’s about getting something positive out of the remainder of the home and away season.
Against Collingwood, Brisbane’s midfielders ran riot, with Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage, Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft all gathering more than 30 disposals, while Logan Morris booted six goals. For the Swans, ruckman Brodie Grundy continued his hot form with 39 disposals against the Bombers while Errol Gulden collected 30 of his own.
The last time these two sides met the Lions proved too good at the SCG in Round 1 earlier this season, winning by 4 points. Small forward Zac Bailey kicked 4 goals for the victors, while Corey Warner, Chad Warner, Isaac Heeney and Braeden Campbell were the multiple goalkickers for the Swans.
For this clash Sydney coach Dean Cox has made just the one change with Hayden McLean returning from concussion at the expense of Peter Ladhams (omitted). Lions coach Chris Fagan has brought in former Adelaide defender Tom Doedee for his club debut replacing Ryan Lester (concussion), while Will McLachlan replaces the injured Lachie Neale.
Lions coach Fagan said he’s confident his side can get the job done without superstar, Neale.
“Once upon a time we were a probably that team that relied on Lachie, especially when he first turned up (2019 season), but we've become that team now that can share the load," Fagan said.
"We've got a really strong midfield, so we expect other boys, who have already stepped up during the year anyway, that they'll continue to do that.
Fagan went onto say the Swans will be a tough proposition, regardless of ladder positions.
"They're in really good form, and the only form that matters is current form," Fagan said.
"We're not sitting back thinking we should get this one, we have to turn up and play really well, with a purpose."
