The first week of the AFL bye rounds are upon us and two quality matchups remain despite the number of top teams and superstars out of action this week.
Sydney v Hawthorn, Friday 19;50 @ ANZ Stadium
Outside of the key ins and out is the form of both clubs heading into Friday night’s blockbuster at ANZ – both the Swans and Hawks have won four of their last five and are coming off big Round 7 wins.
St Kilda were on the wrong end of a 145-point Hawthorn smashing last week (despite the loss of key cogs Mitchell and Lake) with Grant Birchall now well and truly hot after a disrupted pre-season. He has been among the Hawks’ top possession getters in recent weeks, averaging a shade under 30 touches and six marks over his last three while Cyril Rioli is another Hawk starting to see more of it to the tune of 20 disposals, three goals and over six tackles in his last couple.
Sydney have turned around a concerning start to the season with three in a row, but the past two have come against easier opponents in Brisbane and Melbourne. The forward line will be at full strength for the first time this season with the inclusions of Franklin and Tippett alongside a healthy Goodes, but that won’t cover the huge loss of Mike Pyke with a hamstring injury.
The Swans have slipped dramatically in the clearances since losing ruckman Shane Mumford to GWS and Tom Derickx has a massive task ahead in the attempt to quell the McEvoy and Hale combination. One of the two will receive time roaming up forward as the Hawks will surely look to capitalise on their league leading 15 inside 50 marks per contest.
Port Adelaide v Fremantle, Saturday 13:10 @ Adelaide Oval
Port’s dominant run has the side percentage points behind Hawthorn for top spot on the AFL ladder. In contrast, Fremantle have fallen back down to earth after 2013’s run and look more like a middle of the pack side.
Last year’s grand finalists rebounded from unconvincing losses to fellow top eight sides in Sydney and North with a decent effort in last weekend’s Western Derby, but two massive outs in defense- Luke McPharlin and Zac Dawson- hurt, however Stephen Hill returns to the side after a week on the sideline. Currently sixth on the AFL ladder, Fremantle are in a must win situation against the Port with another do-or-die clash against the Cats looming the week after.
The Power will be bolstered by the return of Hartlett and Carlile as the club looks to defend its undefeated run at the new Adelaide Oval where they an average winning margin of 69 points this season.
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