CraveOnline previews two vital AFL Round 9 clashes when the Swans visit Eithad to take on the Bombers and Fremantle attempt to hold the Cats back in Perth.
Essendon v Sydney @ Eithad Stadium, Friday 7:50PM
The Swans visit Melbourne for Friday night football and will be looking for a fifth consecutive win as the club charges towards the high end of the top four.
Sydney rolled out a full strength forward line last weekend and came out easy winners against a mid-strength Hawthorn. Both Buddy and Tippett showed enough to suggest they’ll share the forward 50 quite nicely despite the former’s wayward kicking.
The goal scoring advantage clearly favours the Swans, however midfield strength will dictate this result. Both clubs rank in the top 10 in clearances with Jobe Watson leading the third place Bombers ahead of the surging Swans.
It’s not an ideal time for the out of touch Dons to be hosting a red hot Swans outfit despite turning around a dismal losing streak with close wins against the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane Lions. Tom Bellchambers returns to strengthen the ruck stocks however Paul Chapman will miss due to suspension. Brandon Jack in back for Sydney, replacing the sick Ben McGlynn.
Fremantle v Geelong @ Patersons Stadium, Saturday 5:40PM
Recent bitter encounters will ensure a Round 9 highlight when the Dockers attempt to save season 2014 in Matthew Pavlich’s 300th game.
Fremantle celebrate the milestone achievement of their beloved captain, but are also in desperate need of a win to turn around a sinking season. The Dockers haven’t defeated a classy opponent outside of Round 1’s convincing smashing of Collingwood and are coming off a handful of loses to to quality opposition. They ran out of gas in the fourth quarter of last weekend’s 18-point defeat against Port Adelaide and and now have to take on a rested Geelong.
The Cats will benefit from the return of Andrew Mackie while Freo small forward Hayden Ballantyne is still a question mark after undergoing jaw surgery following a hard hit against Port and the livewire could still join suspended Cat Matthew Stokes on the sidelines.
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