Nat hearts SCG

Eighty-two disposals, 17 marks, 13 tackles and seven Brownlow Medal votes. That’s what Nat Fyfe has accumulated from Fremantle’s past three visits to the SCG .

Expect a contest

Everyone knows Ross Lyon loves a good old-fashioned contested game of football. Don’t worry about the Sydney Swans shirking from a battle on Saturday night. The defending premiers lead the AFL in contested possessions this season. On the small SCG, expect an incredibly hard-foughtgame.

Stoppage Swans

Sydney also leads the competition in clearances with 301. Freo will call on all the expertise of current stoppages coach Mark Stone, who was in the same role at the Swans during their 2005 premiership. The possible absence of injured ruckman Shane Mumford could assist Freo considering the Sydney giant has helped his side register the most hitouts in the AFL this season.

Does Zac Clarke come in?

Ross Lyon would love to rush the ruckman back, given Freo’s big men stocks are dwindling. But Clarke may need a week or two in the WAFL to find fitness. That would leave first-year player Jack Hannath as the sole recognised ruckman to take on Sydney skyscrapers Mike Pyke and Shane Mumford, if he gets up.

'Crowls' spoilt for choice

After Scott Pendlebury was quelled in round 7, Ryan Crowley turns his attention to the deep Sydney midfield. The Swans have arguably the most even band of midfielders in the competition. All are hard at it and skilful. Josh Kennedy is the most likely candidate, but Jarrad McVeigh, Daniel Hanneberry, Ryan O'Keefe, Kieran Jack and Luke Parker have all been prolific this season and can wield big influences if left unchecked.