Syyyydddnnney Syyyydddnnney Syyydddnnney
It’s a big match down in Melbourne this Saturday with the Swans, fresh from thumping the Demons, taking on a mid-table St Kilda side that has had a very mixed season so far.
Last weekend Sydney bounced back from two consecutive losses, producing a clinical display to beat the Demons by 101 points. That victory had other teams sitting up and taking notice, and the Swans now sit 4th on the ladder. Their midfield has been brilliant this year, led by the in-form Josh Kennedy who many believe to be leading the Brownlow vote at this early stage.
St Kilda, on the other hand, suffered a loss to league leaders West Coast last round. They currently lie 9th, with 4 wins and 4 losses, and need to quickly find form if they want to stay in touch with the top eight.
The Swans and the Saints have had many close, heated battles in recent times, and this weekend at Etihad Stadium promises to be no different. It will be a hard-fought clash between two of the best tackling teams in the league – Sydney are ranked 1st, St Kilda 5th for tackles.
To add extra spice, Saints legend Lenny Hayes, who spent his entire junior footy career in Sydney, will play his 250th game. For the Swans, fearless backman Marty Mattner will line up in his 200th career game.
Sydney are still without inspirational leader Adam Goodes and ruckman Shane Mumford, while St Kilda have their own injury concerns with Ben McEvoy and Rhys Stanley unavailable, leaving them with some potential clearance problems.
The last encounter between these two teams saw the Swans dispose of St Kilda at the same venue with a 12.10 (82) v 8.9 (56) victory in an elimination final last year.
Come on the Swans!
Sydney v St Kilda
Saturday May 26
Ethihad Stadum
4:40pm
Live on Free to Air