The Swans have been outstanding in winning their past 12 matches and could be bolstered by the return of Kurt Tippett and Dan Hannebery to an already-powerful side.
But Josh Gibson and Brad Hill are back for Hawthorn, which is inching closer towards full strength at the right time of the year.
The teams are evenly matched, but the Hawks may have an edge in outside run which counts for plenty at the MCG.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday July 26, 7.40pm AEST
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for all of Saturday's match info
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for all of Saturday's match info
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2014, Sydney Swans 15.17 (107) d Hawthorn 13.10 (88) at ANZ Stadium
1QF, 2013, Hawthorn 15.15 (105) d Sydney Swans 7.9 (51) at the MCG
R23, 2013, Hawthorn 17.10 (112) d Sydney Swans 16.4 (100) at ANZ Stadium
R7, 2013, Hawthorn 18.11 (119) d Sydney Swans 12.10 (82) at the MCG
1. In the Swans' win over the Hawks earlier this season Kurt Tippett booted four goals, Dan Hannebery was the star with 40 possessions and two goals and Lance Franklin kicked 2.7 against his former side.
2. The Hawks remain second for Inside 50s in 2014 averaging 57.7 per game but the Swans aren’t far behind, ranked 3rd with 56.7 per game.
3. In 156 contests between the sides Hawthorn holds an 86-68 edge, with two draws.
4. The Swans will need to create history to beat the Hawks; the Swans have won 12 straight games since round five; four times they’ve now won 12 consecutive games, but never before have won 13 in a row.
5. Hawthorn continues to be the highest scoring side in 2014 kicking more goals than anyone, 274; 18 more than Port Adelaide in second; The Swans are fourth with 224 goals.
6. Kieren Jack (eighth), Josh Kennedy (ninth) and Lance Franklin (10th) will be the highest-ranked players on the ground according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. 200-gamer Jarryd Roughead is the leading Hawk at No.15.
