STRAP yourselves in, Bluebaggers. It’s looking like we’re in for another close one.
We all remember what happened the last time these two teams met and - if the stats are true - we should be preparing for a tight contest when the Blues take on the Swans this Friday night.
The Swans are likely to start the match as favourites, returning home to try and lodge their sixth-consecutive win having enjoyed a run of impressive performances to begin the season.
On the other side, the Blues will be looking to go back-to-back after a nail-biting win over the Demons in Round 9.
Despite a slow start to the year for the Blues around the centre contest, the midfielders have been able to find more of their rhythm in recent weeks and will take confidence into this week’s game, leading the Swans in both centre clearances and contested possessions for the season.
The team, however, must be weary of the Swans' ability to find space and move the ball freely.
Sydney has averaged 230 uncontested possessions per game so far in 2024, with the movement allowing them to get the ball into their attacking half freely to create more consistent scoring opportunities.
While the Blues will welcome back much-loved defender, Caleb Marchbank, it will not be an easy day for the backline as they look to counteract the competition leader for goals per game in 2024.
All eyes will be on two of the competition’s best midfielders, as Isaac Heeney and Patrick Cripps look to outshine each other on the SCG.
The Carlton captain led through action in Carlton’s Round 9 win over Melbourne, finishing the game with 35 disposals, 19 contested possessions and seven clearances in what was a trademark Cripps performance.
It comes in a season where Cripps has averaged 27 disposals per game, 15 contested possessions and 6.6 clearances per game.
On the other side, in the Red and White, Isaac Heeney has hardly been sleeping. In fact, the two players’ stats could almost be a mirror image so far in 2024.
Heeney’s true danger will come with his ability to drift forward and consistently hit the scoreboard – something the Blues will do their best to negate throughout the game.
He always manages to stand up when the moment needs him the most and we’re tipping tonight may provide the perfect stage for more Blake Acres heroics.
A consistent performer in AFL Fantasy, with an average of 91 points this year, ‘The Sheriff’ will be patrolling the wing with great intent and purpose, as he looks to keep his consistent ways rolling. At $832K, Acres consistency will pay you back with interest.
