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Friday, May 3, 2024

2023 AFL round 4: Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide Power match day guide and preview

Both the Swans and Power will be looking to bounce back from disappointing performances when they meet in Sydney.

Match details

Teams

Swans

IN:

OUT: Matt Roberts (sub)

Despite a 50-point loss to Melbourne last week, the Swans have named an unchanged line-up.

Power

IN: Dylan Williams, Jackson Mead, Jed McEntee, Trent McKenzie

OUT: Darcy Byrne-Jones (omitted), Lachie Jones (omitted), Orazio Fantasia (injured), Riley Bonner (omitted), Tom Clurey (omitted)

Ken Hinkley has wielded the axe after last week’s Showdown loss, dropping four players who have been regulars in recent seasons.

Click here to see the complete team line-ups.

Season so far

Sydney Swans 5th – 134.5% | 312 points for | 232 points against | 2 wins & 1 loss

Sydney breezed through the opening two weeks, but were comprehensively beaten by Melbourne 134-84 in their first true test of the season in round 3.

Remarkably, Melbourne’s 134 points was the most any team has scored against Sydney since round 16 2015 where Hawthorn piled on 146.

There were question marks around whether Sydney would be spooked returning to the MCG for the first time since last year’s grand final, and after that effort, you can bet those same questions will be asked when they play the Pies there in round 8.

The Swans are in an interesting position right now and will be looking for a win to regain some confidence they lost last week.

Port Adelaide Power 14th – 85.2% | 276 points for | 324 points against| 1 win & 2 losses

Port looked like a powerhouse when they thumped Brisbane in round one, but were brought back to earth quickly with a belting at the hands of Collingwood before losing to the Crows.

Losing to their cross-town rivals always brings negative attention on the Power, but this week has been even more intense given the mounting pressure on Hinkley to keep his job.

It feels like Port have to make finals for Kenny to be there next year and falling to 1-3 would make that incredibly tough.

Last 5 meetings and SCG history

  • 2022 round 14: Power 12.10 (82) defeated Swans 8.11 (59) at Adelaide Oval
  • 2021 round 15: Power 12.9 (81) defeated Swans 10.11 (71) at Adelaide Oval
  • 2020 round 14: Power 11.7 (73) defeated Swans 7.5 (47) at Adelaide Oval
  • 2019 round 21: Power 15.13 (103) defeated Swans 7.14 (56) at Adelaide Oval
  • 2018 round 2: Swans 10.11 (71) lost to Power 14.10 (94) at SCG

The Power have dominated the Swans in recent years, winning the last six clashes straight, inclduing two at the SCG.

However, before Port’s recent run, the Swans had actually won 13 of 14 over the Power.

While Port have won the last two clashes at the SCG, Sydney claimed the previous seven matches at the venue.

These two sides have met at the SCG 16 times overall with Sydney holding an 11-5 advantage.

Pre match predictions

Fight the Power: Former Port ruckman Peter Ladhams to use his aggression for good against his old side this time, finishing with 18 touches and 5 tackles. Swans by 14.

Wines and dines: Ollie Wines to dine out in the midfield with 25 possessions and 8 clearances.

Have any pre match predictions of your own? Let us know in the comments below.

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