The Sydney Swans return home to the SCG in Round 12 to take on the Adelaide Crows in a Saturday night clash which could define the season for both teams.
The Swans are coming off a disappointing 53-point loss against Melbourne in Round 11, while the fourth-placed Crows are in good form having dealt with West Coast to the tune of 66 points.
Sydney welcome back Justin McInerney and Lewis Melican (both from suspension) and Celeb Mitchell plays his first AFL game for the season. Former skipper Taylor Walker and Brodie Smith return for the travelling Crows at the expense of Rory Laird (rested) and Zac Taylor (omitted).
Sydney have won their last two matches played at the SCG (against Carlton and GWS) in recent weeks, while they also have the wood over the Crows at the venue, having beaten Adelaide every game at the SCG since 2019.
The last time these two sides met was in Round 24 last season when the Swans prevailed by 31-points on their way to make the Grand Final. On that occasion Nick Blakey collected 32 disposals for Sydney and Matt Roberts was excellent off half-back with 31 touches of his own. For Adelaide Rory Laird had 28 disposals while Riley Thilthorpe and Zac Taylor booted three goals.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said he’s wary of a Swans side coming off a bad loss.
“They’re as good as any when it comes to the contest and listening to Coxy after the weekend’s game they were really disappointed with that part of their game. They very rarely do two of those in a row and we know they are going to come out breathing fire,” Nick’s said.
“Part of that will be a player that’s going to give one of our best a lot of attention. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jordon (James Jordon) goes to Jordan (Jordan Dawson), which they’ve done before.
“But it’s one thing to know it’s going to happen; it’s another thing to beat it,” Nick’s said.
The Swans will host Adelaide from 7:35pm on Sunday. Tune into Channel 7, Fox Sports and Kayo live from 7:30pm.
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