WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday May 19, 4.40pm
LAST TIME: Sydney Swans 11.18 (84) drew with Melbourne 11.18 (84), round one, 2011 at the MCG
TV and RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for match day information

Following five consecutive wins to start the season and talk of a top-four finish, the Swans have dropped two straight - a narrow defeat to Adelaide and a poor effort against Richmond. Coach John Longmire wasn't happy with the pressure applied against the Tigers and expects a response this week. Speaking of pressure, Melbourne is surrounded by it, slumping to a seventh successive defeat in a meek showing against Hawthorn last Friday night. The bottom-of-the-ladder Demons are desperate for a victory and will be hoping forward Mitch Clark can get free on the tight SCG confines and kick a bag to give his side hope.

THE FOUR POINTS

SYDNEY SWANS

1. Can the Swans recapture the form that so impressed over the opening five weeks? A five-point loss to Adelaide in round six was considered a blip, but a five-goal defeat to Richmond proved more of a concern. The coaching staff will be expecting a stern response against Melbourne.

2. It is no secret tackling and contested possessions are the hallmarks of the Swans' game-plan. Their tackling was marginally below their League-leading average against the Tigers, but their 114 contested possessions were well down on the 150-plus they usually produce. That will need to be rectified at the SCG.

3. Have the Swans adjusted yet to Adam Goodes not being in the side? Some in the line-up had rarely played without the dual Brownlow medallist, but he will be out for at least another month. Others need to accept that fact and pick up the slack through the midfield and in attack.

4. Sam Reid has been struggling for form over the past month, kicking no goals and just four behinds in that stretch. After some niggling injuries the club feels he is due to break out of his slump and may get off the leash against the Demons.

MELBOURNE

1. Melbourne was disappointed last week in its inability to at least match the opposition in contested ball. The onballers need to renew their focus in that area and first possession players such as Brent Moloney and Nathan Jones will relish the opportunity to take on the masters. Co-captain Jack Trengove should start in the middle and test himself against the best.

2. Mitch Clark kicked three goals in the first quarter last week and then went into the ruck in the third quarter and got the ball moving in his team's direction. The team's leading goalkicker is marking well and kicking accurately and should relish playing at the SCG.

3. Melbourne's defence has battled hard under all sorts of pressure this season. Once again Clint Bartram was defiant against the Hawks, continuing his good form in the past month. He is courageous, marks well and is setting a strong example in defence against the odds.

4. Neither team has a high possession rate (they are the two lowest ballwinners in the AFL) however the Swans use the ball much better and average the third highest inside 50s. On the rebound and in front of its home crowd the Swans will be ferocious in their tackling. Melbourne must weather the early storm and score from what are likely to be limited opportunities.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL