SUMMARY
The Swans return to the SCG still smarting from their upset loss to Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday. The premiers were seemingly in control in the early stages, but were outmuscled to ultimately lose by three goals in a result that cost the Swans their place in the top four. They will want to quickly get back on track in their third Friday night fixture for the season.
The Blues have had plenty of time to refresh themselves following their last match, a competitive 15-point defeat to Hawthorn two weeks ago. They entered their mid-year break with a 6-6 record to sit just outside the top eight and really needing a big scalp to kick-start their season. The premiers on their home patch would certainly suffice.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Friday, June 28, 7.50pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R19, 2012, Sydney Swans 14.9 (93) d Carlton 10.11 (71) at Etihad Stadium
R13, 2011, Carlton 15.10 (100) d Sydney Swans 10.6 (66) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2011, Carlton 12.15 (87) d Sydney Swans 10.11 (71) at the SCG
1EF, 2010, Sydney Swans 14.15 (99) d Carlton 13.16 (94) at ANZ Stadium
R16, 2010, Sydney Swans 16.11 (107) d Carlton 10.8 (68) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Carlton holds a clear advantage over the Swans historically, winning 127 of the 219 contests between the two sides. There have also been six draws, the last of which occurred way back in 1967 at Lake Oval.
2. The Swans just have the edge in recent years, winning three of the past five against the Blues. That includes their thrilling five-point elimination final victory in 2010.
3. Josh Kennedy, who was outstanding in the wet against Port, remains the top-ranked Swan in the Official AFL Player Ratings, sitting fourth overall. Chris Judd is the No.1 Carlton player, 15th overall.
4. Mick Malthouse will coach against the Swans for the 45th time in his long career, currently boasting 27 wins. But he hasn't coached at the SCG since round four, 2000, just his fourth game in charge of Collingwood.
5. If Carlton does go down in this one, it likely won't be by a big margin. The Blues' biggest defeat this season was by 17 points to Collingwood in round two, with their average losing margin across six games just 11 points.
6. The Swans are the AFL's best clearance side this year, averaging 43.7 per game to Carlton's 39.7 (6th). The premiers are also the best tackling team once again, with 75.6 per game. The Blues are ranked ninth (61.7).
