MATCH PREVIEW: Sydney v Brisbane

NEAFL ROUND 21

Saturday, August 24, 2019
Brisbane Lions (1st) v Sydney Swans (3rd)
Tramway Oval, 10:15AM

SUMMARY

It’s the last round of the season and it’s well and truly all to play for as the Lions look to cap off an undefeated season and the Swans battle for important ladder positions.

Standing in Brisbane’s way are the Swans who currently sit third and will likely need a win to stay in that spot heading into finals, and more importantly host and Elimination Final in Week 1.

The Lions are will be fresh from a 47-point victory over the GIANTS in Sydney last weekend while the Swans will be ruing an opportunity to lock in third place with a loss over the SUNS.

RECENT ENCOUNTERS

Round 17, 2019: Brisbane 15.13 (103) d Sydney 10.11 (71) at Blacktown
Round 9, 2019: Brisbane 17.19 (121) d Sydney 8.2 (50) at South Pine Sports Complex
Round 5, 2019: Brisbane 14.17 (101) d Sydney 4.10 (34) at South Pine Sports Complex

TALKING POINTS

1. What Swans team are we going to see? It’s worth noting Sydney’s rise and falls on a week to week basis are very much related to their listed player stocks, but after a disappointing loss to the SUNS at home following a great victory against the in-form Aspley away from home, it’s hard to read their form. What Swans team will we see this week as they look to build form going into finals?

2. All talking points will come down to the Lions hopes of an unbeaten season, a firing senior side, a healthy list and a good core of youth and senior experience has seen the NEAFL side have a perfect run in 2019. Regardless of the result on Saturday, Mitch Hahn and his side must be commended on their efforts throughout the 2019 season as they have secured the minor premiership.

3. The Swans see-saw results of the past month have largely been due to injury, with the injury list sitting in double digits for Sydney. The return of Jarrad McVeigh and Buddy Franklin at a senior level as well as the return of Sam Naismith should see the Swans field a competitive side who will test the Lions from pillar to post on Saturday.

ROOKIE WATCH

Swans rookie Sam Wicks had a good day in his side’s loss last weekend, collecting 22 disposals to go alongside nine tackles. The loss of the likes of James Rowbottom, Ryan Clarke and James Bell to the senior side has seen Wicks playing an extended role for what is a young Swans side.

STATS THAT MATTER

The last time these two sides met the Swans led at half-time before a five-goal-to-two final quarter sealed a 32-point victory to the Lions. The Lions have been slow starters the last month, however have kicked 38 goals in the second half of their last four games whilst only conceding 12 goals against, showing the blueprint to perhaps snapping the Lions streak comes down to limiting their second half form

PREDICTION

The Lions to cap off an undefeated season, Lions by 20 points.

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