AFL Media's Adam Curley previews Friday night's clash against Sydney at the SCG:
SUMMARY
The Swans might have stumbled at home three times early in the season, but they've steadied to win three straight and currently sit in fourth spot after 10 rounds. The Blues, and in particular key defender Liam Jones, will be keen to test themselves at the SCG after they were humiliated by 81 points in round 23 last year, thanks to a 10-goal haul from Lance Franklin. Gun onballer Patrick Cripps, and the Curnow brothers Ed and Charlie, have been shining lights for Carlton in 2018, and the trio must have a massive influence on Friday night if the visitors are any chance of an upset. Ed Curnow might get the job on Sydney star Luke Parker, or he might lock onto Josh Kennedy who was best afield against Brisbane last week. Franklin will be Carlton's biggest headache but they must also keep the likes of Will Hayward, Ben Ronke and Tom Papley quiet, or the Swans might rack up another big score.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Friday, June 1, 7.50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R23, 2017, Sydney 21.12 (138) d Carlton 8.9 (57) at the SCG
R6, 2017, Carlton 15.7 (97) d Sydney 11.12 (78) at the MCG
R18, 2016, Sydney 10.14 (74) d Carlton 10.8 (68) at the SCG
R2, 2016, Sydney 20.11 (131) d Carlton 10.11 (71) at Etihad Stadium
R9, 2015, Sydney 19.8 (122) d Carlton 9.8 (62) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was Lance Franklin's day when these sides last played, he had 25 disposals, 10 marks and kicked 10 goals as Sydney kicked 15 goals to three in the second half.
2. Sydney is one of the strongest contested possession teams this season averaging 150.9 per game, a long way ahead of the Blues who are ranked 15th with an average of 141.4.
3. The Swans have dominated Carlton recently winning eight of the last nine matches with four wins by 60 points or more. Carlton's only win since 2012 was in round six, 2017.
4. The Blues continue to struggle on the scoreboard and they're the lowest scoring team by average points per game this season with just 65. They last kicked 100 points in a game in round 11, 2016.
5. The teams have played 25 times at the SCG and Sydney holds a clear advantage winning 16 games to nine. The Blues last won at the venue early in 2011 and they’ve lost 12 of their last 14 interstate matches.
6. Two of the game's best inside midfielders will be on show when Josh Kennedy and Patrick Cripps match up on Friday night. The Swans captain is ranked 12th in the Schick Player Ratings, while the Blue is ranked 20th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Sydney star Dan Hannebery will play game 200 against the Blues and his teammates will be keen to celebrate the three-time All Australian's milestone with a big win.
