Match preview: Sydney Swans v Richmond AFL.com.au
23 August 2016SUMMARYThe minor premiership is the Swans' to lose and while they might look like a lock in this week's clash with the Tigers on form, they've lost their past three games against Richmond, including the last two in Sydney. Tigers star Jack Riewoldt has kicked 11 goals in those three wins, and booted six in last year's upset win at the SCG in round 13, but faces a much tougher task this week against a Swans' defence that is statistically the best in the competition. Dustin Martin and skipper Trent Cotchin have the quality to match the Swans through the midfield, but the visitors' depth looks to be a worry in their final game of the season. Star defender Alex Rance should have the job on Lance Franklin, if the gun forward is fit to play after struggling with a hip issue against North Melbourne.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday, August 27, 4.35pm AEST
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R8, 2016, Richmond 14.17 (101) d Sydney Swans 15.10 (100) at the MCG
R13, 2015, Richmond 14.11 (95) d Sydney Swans 11.11 (77) at the SCG
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
THE SIX POINTS1. The Swans will be aiming for just their third minor premiership in club history, after doing it in 1996 and 2014, when they lost both Grand Finals. Another loss would give the Tigers their fewest wins since 2011.
2. Richmond has now won the past three contests between the sides and five of the last seven, and there have been some thrillers, with the last four games all decided by three goals or less.
3. No team has laid more tackles more than the Swans, who average 79.3 per game, while no team tackles less than the Tigers, with only 60.8 per game.
4. The teams have played 27 times at the SCG, with the Swans winning 16, including seven of the last eight; the Tigers' win in 2015 was their first at the SCG since 2004.
5. The Swans are ranked second for quarters won in 2016 with 57, two behind the Giants with 59; Richmond is 12th with 34. The Swans have won 13 final quarters compared to the Tigers' eight.
6. The Swans have three star midfielders ranked inside the top 20 of the AFL's official player ratings, in Josh Kennedy (4th), Luke Parker (11th) and Dan Hannebery (18th), while the Tigers' highest ranked onballer Dustin Martin is 31st.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR… Dane Rampe.Will likely be given the task of shutting down the dangerous Riewoldt, and if he maintains his 2016 form, should sew up his first All Australian blazer on Saturday. Rampe's run from the back 50 has been enormous this season, and while he's been an attacking weapon for the Swans, his one-on-one work has also been superb.
PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 51 pointshttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-08-23/match-preview-sydney-swans-v-richmond
