Match day guide and preview for the AFL Round 16 game between the Swans and Eagles.
Who, when and where?
Sydney Swans vs West Coast Eagles
Sunday 4 July 2021 at 1.10pm (AEST)
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, Victoria
All time head-to-head record: Played 52. Swans 30 wins. Eagles 22 wins.
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Ladder position and recent form
Sydney Swans 6th – 108.1% | 1193 points for | 1119 points against | 8 wins & 6 losses | LLWWL
The Swans were right in the contest against the Power last week before a dreadful final five minutes cost them victory.
After three consecutive goals to Buddy Franklin gave them the lead and all the momentum, some costly errors gifted the Power late chances, and they made the Swans pay.
It was still a good performance for the most part, but honourable losses don’t mean much when you’re trying to play finals.
West Coast Eagles 7th – 102.6% | 1215 points for | 1184 points against | 8 wins & 6 losses | LWWLL
With no fans allowed at Optus Stadium, the Eagles lost their home crowd advantage and were comprehensively smacked by the Bulldogs to the tune of 55 points.
The Eagles were dominated in several key stats as they lost inside 50s (38-60), contested possessions (121-151) and scoring shots (13-33).
The Eagles have recently got their big-name midfielders back in the side but they need to start firing soon or their place in the eight could come under threat.
Team selection
Swans
IN: Sam Wicks
OUT: James Rowbottom (managed), Kaiden Brand (omitted)
The Swans have managed young midfielder Rowbottom while key defender Brand has been dropped despite the Eagles tall forward line.
Small forward Wicks returns from suspension while last week’s medical-sub Nick Blakey is in the 22.
Eagles
IN: Alex Witherden, Jermaine Jones, Luke Foley, Nathan Vardy, Zac Langdon
OUT: Jack Petruccelle (omitted), Jackson Nelson (omitted), Jake Waterman (omitted), Josh Rotham (omitted), Liam Ryan (suspended), Luke Edwards (omitted)
Adam Simpson has dropped five players from the side that was hammered by the Bulldogs, while Ryan will miss after copping a one-match suspension.
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Players to watch
Swans – Isaac Heeney
Heeney seemingly has all the tools to be one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition, but injuries and inconsistent form has plagued his career to date.
He plays well above his size with his incredible ability to mark the ball overhead mixed with his ground ball skills making him a difficult matchup for any side.
When he’s up and going he’s a joy to watch, evidenced by his 24 disposals, 14 marks and 3 goals against the Blues in Round 11.
However, he hasn’t been able to continue that form since, looking fumbly at times and he also had three crucial misses on goal last week.
If the Swans are going to become a serious contender, they need Heeney to become a more consistent option up forward to help the in-form Franklin.
Eagles – Luke Shuey
Shuey has been restricted to just two games this season due to hamstring issues and last week was his first game since round 3.
He looked alright racking up 20 disposals, but the Eagles need him to start hitting his straps quickly.
The rest of his midfield were also dominated so he needs the likes of Yeo, Kelly and Gaff to also lift.
They have a big advantage with Nic Naitanui in the ruck so Shuey and the like need to make the most of it.
Last 5 meetings
- 2020 Round 5 – Eagles 11.11 (77) defeat Swans6.7 (43) at Metricon Stadium
- 2019 Round 12 – Swans 18.8 (116) defeat Eagles7.14 (56) at SCG
- 2018 Round 13 – Swans 10.12 (72) defeat Eagles7.15 (57) at SCG
- 2018 Round 1 – Eagles 13.8 (86) defeated by Swans 18.7 (115) at Optus Stadium
- 2017 Round 4 – Eagles 13.13 (91) defeat Swans 10.5 (65) at Domain Stadium
Long gone are the days of the close Swans-Eagles rivalry on the mid 2000s with the average winning margin of 34.8 points over the past five matches.
The Swans have won three of the last five matchups, but the Eagles took bragging rights last year with a 34-point win on the Gold Coast.
Not surprisingly, there is no history between the sides at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. However, the Swans last win at the ground was in 2017 while the Eagles haven’t won there since 2006 and lost to the Cats by 97 points there earlier this season.
Pre match predictions
Dream of Heeney: Isaac Heeney to play a blinder with 20 disposals and 4 goals.
Mitts McGovern: Jeremy McGovern to take 10 marks, including 6 interecpt marks.
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