Match preview: Sydney Swans v RichmondAdam Curley
afl.com.au
June 23, 2015 SUMMARYThe Swans are coming off the bye, which interrupted their run of six straight wins, but coach John Longmire is hopeful the break won't hurt his side's momentum. The Tigers are coming off a loss to West Coast but had won four in a row before the hiccup and will be keen to get their season back on track. Richmond caused a big upset when they beat the Swans at ANZ Stadium in round 23 last year, but don't have a great recent record at the SCG.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Friday 7.50pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2014, Richmond 10.8 (68) d Sydney Swans 9.11 (65) at ANZ Stadium
R14, 2014, Sydney Swans 9.8 (62) d Richmond 7.9 (51) at the MCG
R18, 2013, Sydney Swans 16.14 (110) d Richmond 9.9 (63) at the SCG
R7, 2012, Richmond 13.13 (91) d Sydney Swans 8.14 (62) at the MCG
R21, 2011, Richmond 14.15 (99) d Sydney Swans 7.14 (56) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS1. The Tigers midfield was the difference between the sides in round 23 last year; stars Brett Deledio and Trent Cotchin had 29 possessions apiece in the win.
2. The Swans and Tigers clash for the 191st time and Richmond holds a clear advantage, winning 104 games to 85, with one draw. The Tigers have won three of the last five.
3. The teams have played 26 times at the SCG, with the Swans winning 16 to ten, including the last seven. Richmond hasn’t won at the venue since 2004.
4. Sydney has been a strong tackling side in 2015; they're ranked third averaging 72 per game, compared to Richmond, who are ranked 14th averaging 62.1.
5. Richmond has received the most free kicks per game in 2015, averaging 23.6. Captain Trent Cotchin is ranked third and Anthony Miles sixth.
6. The Swans have two players inside the top ten of the AFL's official player ratings in Lance Franklin (8th) and Josh Kennedy (10th), while Richmond only has one inside the top 50, with Shane Edwards at 47.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Adam GoodesThe dual Brownlow Medallist is in great form despite some recent controversy, and will have many of his 2005 premiership teammates cheering him on at the SCG on Friday night. While Goodes won't be able to join in the celebrations at the club's reunion, another strong performance will no doubt help make it a night to remember for the rest of the Swans' flag-winning heroes.
PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 28 points. http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-22/match-preview-sydney-swans-v-richmond