WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday April 7, 2.10pm
LAST TIME: Fremantle 15.8 (98) d Sydney Swans 13.9 (87), round 17, 2011 at the SCG
TV, RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for Match Day Information.
MATCH SUMMARY
The Swans come into the match sitting atop the ladder following their big round one win over GWS, while Fremantle is buoyant after a four-point victory over reigning premier Geelong. The SCG lost some of its fortress status last year, with the Swans recording only a 4-4 record. That included a tough 11-point loss to Fremantle in round 17 the Swans are keen to overturn this year.
THE FOUR POINTS
Sydney Swans
1. How are the Swans really travelling? It was difficult to get an accurate read on their form in their opening match against debutants GWS before their bye last weekend. Much more will be known after Saturday.
2. Who will contain Fremantle's Nat Fyfe? As a 19-year-old, Fyfe tore the Swans apart last year, finishing with 31 possessions, five marks, one goal and three Brownlow votes. He looked even better against the Cats last round.
3. Can Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan maintain their form and fitness? The livewire youngsters offer the Swans a different dimension, but they are yet to prove they can do it on a consistent basis. Another test awaits this week.
4. How will the Swans combat Aaron Sandilands? Despite missing the entire NAB Cup, the giant ruckman still provided a commanding presence against Geelong, especially early on. The Swans are contemplating recalling Mark Seaby to help Shane Mumford.
Fremantle
1. How does Fremantle replace Hayden Ballantyne? The fiery forward was a catalyst for his team's round-one win over Geelong, kicking two goals and finishing with a team-high six inside 50s, including a brilliant fourth-quarter entry to set up a crucial Matthew Pavlich goal. His creativity and pace would have been an asset on the tight SCG.
2. Aaron Sandilands had an enormous impact against the Cats, but he was carefully managed in his first game back from a calf injury. Apart from substitutes Michael Barlow and Clancee Pearce, Sandilands spent more time on the bench than any other Freo player, playing 77 per cent game time. With able support from young ruckman Zac Clarke, will Ross Lyon continue to manage his No. 1 ruckman?
3. Nat Fyfe is now a genuine star of the competition. Originally a skinny half-forward, the third-year gun has rapidly grown into an elite onballer and he delivered on his outstanding pre-season against the Cats, winning a team-high 30 disposals (15 contested).
4. After years of relying on Matthew Pavlich, David Mundy, Luke McPharlin and Sandilands, it appears Fremantle will be an even team that 'bats deeper' in 2012. Lyon challenged his middle tier to step up this season and Michael Johnson, Ryan Crowley and Paul Duffield, among others, did against the Cats. Consistency is the next step and the Swans will no doubt ask hard questions of that group this week.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
