Form
Both teams head into Saturday night’s game undefeated. It may only be round three but not even premiers Hawthorn have kept a perfect record. Freo have dispatched two finalists from last year, in Port Adelaide and Geelong, plus an in-form West Coast last week. Sydney comes off wins over a gusty Giants, Port Adelaide and a resurgent Essendon.
Midfield/ruck match-up
It is a mouthwatering midfield match up that has plenty of fans salivating. Nat Fyfe and Lachie Neale have had great starts to the season, while the likes of David Mundy and Michael Barlow continue to thrive in the engine room. The Swans midfield with youngsters Luke Parker and pacey Lewis Jetta, alongside perennial ball winners Josh Kennedy and Jarrad McVeigh, are a talented bunch. Pundits are licking their lips at the thought that Lance Franklin may push into the midfield and meet an in-form Fyfe. The ruck battle looms large too, with Sydney and Freo ranked one and two, respectively, for hit-outs this season.
Clash of the titans
Rivalry
It may be a burgeoning rivalry but having met in two recent finals and played some tight games including a memorable draw in 2013, there are certainly some early season bragging rights up for grabs. The Swans have the upper hand in the stats, having won three out of the last five, including both times the teams met last season. It will be the first time the two teams have met at Domain Stadium since Freo’s Preliminary Final win in 2013. In last year’s Qualifying Final at ANZ Stadium, it took some final quarter brilliance from Franklin to get the Swans across the line against a depleted Fremantle, missing Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson.
Buddy
You cannot talk about Sydney, without mentioning the superstar forward. Ross Lyon says Franklin is a star but not the only player Freo will focus on. Buddy was the difference in last year’s final. Alex Silvagni held the reigning Coleman Medallist to just one goal in the first three quarters, before he booted two last quarter goals to lead the Swans to a 24-point win. Veteran Freo defenders Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson missed that game. Their inclusion this week is a major plus for Freo. Freo’s defence will have to be on its game to combat Buddy and the Swans plethora of dangerous forwards like Kurt Tippett.
Team effort to help contain Buddy
Anzac Day
It will be a massive occasion at Domain Stadium on Saturday night with a near capacity crowd expected for the 20th annual Len Hall Tribute Match. The pre-game ceremonies and a minute’s silence will add extra significance to the game. It will surely have a finals like atmosphere as the umpire bounces down the ball in the centre square. Once the ceremonies are over, the Freo faithful will find their voice and it is likely to be a daunting atmosphere for the Swans.
