NSW/ACT Notebook: Round 14 Preview

Richmond Tigers vs. Sydney Swans
(3-9, 15th) vs. (9-3, 3rd)

Much like the Queensland Maroons, this week the Sydney Swans will be going for nine in a row when they face Richmond at the MCG on Friday night. But will they suffer the same demise? With Lance Franklin hitting his stride and Richmond coming off three straight losses, it seems highly unlikely.

Following last week’s grandstand performance against Port Adelaide, the Sydney Swans will do battle with history. Their track record against the Tigers at the MCG is somewhat surprising having lost their last three at the hallowed ground when facing the black and yellow sash.

With the Sydney forward line gaining most of the attention week-in and week-out, the inside-50 ability of Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt will offer the chance to see their back line shine. With Riewoldt ranked number one in the league for marks inside-50, it looks like Ted Richards will have his work cut out for him.

Sydney have made two changes this week with Dan Hannebery set to miss the next four weeks due to an ankle injury suffered in last week’s victory, while Gary Rohan has been omitted once more.

Big man Mike Pyke returns for the Swans following injury sending Tom Derickx to the bench, meanwhile Zak Jones will debut for the red and the white.

Jones, whose brother is Melbourne captain Nathan Jones, will find his place in the back half of the field, which is where he has been starring for the Swans Reserves. A Victoria born and bred, Jones says his family and friends will be at the game in force, adding some strength in numbers to the surely outbalanced Tigers based crowd.

Chris Newman will miss for the Tigers with a groin injury and Ben Lennon has been dropped. Reece Conca will head to the forward line alongside Riewoldt and Matt Thomas will start from the bench for Richmond.

Despite the absence of Ivan Maric throughout this season, the Tigers’ hit-out average exceeds Sydney’s at 42 to 34, however with the return of Mike Pyke to the Swans and Maric named for the Tigers, the ruck battle will be interesting to watch.

Everywhere else on the field, the Swans unsurprisingly surpass their Friday night opponents, particularly on the disposal count where they average 19 more per game (385-366) and in contested possession, averaging 16 more than the Tigers (148 – 132).

GWS Giants vs. Carlton Blues
(3-9, 16th) vs. (4-8, 12th)

This Sunday afternoon the GWS Giants will host Carlton for the first time in Sydney at Spotless Stadium.

Coming off their first ever away victory last weekend against Brisbane, the Giants will be happy to be at home where they will believe that they can topple the courageous yet continually disappointing Blues.

Riding high from their 45-point win in Round 13, the Giants will not just be playing for two in a row, but will also be aiming for victory in Adam Treloar and Devon Smith’s 50th games for the club.

The battles to watch will be in the ruck and midfield. With Shane Mumford outclassing all ruckmen in the league by still holding his number one ruck ranking, Robbie Warnock will have to work hard in follow-up to gain supremacy. Giants Co-Captain Callan Ward and his midfield will also know that they will have to take it to the pace of Marc Murphy and co in the middle.

With Jeremy Cameron a possibility of missing the game with a minor ankle injury, Tom Boyd has been named for the Giants on an extended bench. Having kicked 10 goals in the past three games for the Giants’ NEAFL side, Boyd would soften any blow felt by the loss of Cameron.

Adam Kennedy and Kristian Jaksch have also been named on an extended interchange bench.

The Blues will welcome back a few key position players this week, which will boost their effort to extend on their endearing loss last week against Hawthorn. Michael Jamison returns to the back line while Lachie Henderson will have to work his way back into the forward line following the fine form of Levi Casboult in Round 13.

Ed Curnow and Blaine Johnston (making his possible debut) have also been named on an extended bench for Carlton. Following a disastrous game against Hawthorn, Matthew Watson has been omitted.

Statistically, the Giants have the wood on their Sunday opponents. With GWS holding an average of 354 to 348 disposals per game and landing 73 tackles compared to Carlton’s average of 64, Giants fans will believe that this is their chance to gain their first two wins in a row.  

The Giants have never beaten the Blues in their short history.

AFL NSW/ACT News

Aiden Riley (Figtree Roos) and Dean Terlich (Osbourne) have both been named in an extended squad for Melbourne who are running on a high following their remarkable win against Essendon last week. Terlich makes his way into the team after being named an emergency in the previous round.

Sam Rowe (North Albury) will return to his home state when he lines up for Carlton against Greater Western Sydney.

Harry Cunningham (Turvey Park) looks set to re-sign with the Sydney Swans with a deal on the table which will see him in red and white until the end of 2016.

Will Sierakowski (St Ignatius Riverview) has been named in the NEAFL Representative side to take on a Tasmanian State League Representative team this weekend.