Sydney v Richmond | Saturday, August 27, 4.35pm (AEDT), SCG
Any sort of win here for the Swans should be enough to secure a coveted top 2 spot and a home final.
They have a seven percentage point gap on Geelong who’ll have their hands full against Melbourne.
Lance Franklin looked sore during the Swans’ win over North Melbourne and ideally coach John Longmire would like to rest him, but they’ll have a two week break anyway to prepare.
Kieren Jack is another important player that should come straight back into the side if he’s fit.
The Swans finals wildcard is ruck/forward Kurt Tippett, who made a successful return from a long term injury in the Swans’ win over the Kangaroos in Hobart.
The Tigers have given the Swans a hard time in recent times, including a last minute win in round 8 this year.
Anyone who saw their disgraceful display against St Kilda last week will know you could round up 18 blokes at the local bus stop who could give Sydney a better contest than the current Tigers outfit.
Unibet Odds:
Last time they met: Rd 8, 2016 – Richmond 101 def Sydney 100
Tip: Sydney
Line tip: Sydney -46.5
Teams:
SWANS
B: D.Rampe, A.Aliir, N.Smith
HB: J.Lloyd, H.Grundy, J.McVeigh
C: I.Heeney, J.Kennedy, D.Hannebery
HF: G.Rohan, L.Franklin, L.Parker
F: X.Richards, K.Tippett, B.McGlynn
R: S.Naismith, T.Mitchell, K.Jack
I/C: H.Cunningham, G.Hewett, T.Papley, H.Marsh
EMG: J.Foote, T.Nankervis, D.Towers
IN: K.Jack, H.Marsh
OUT: D.Towers, C.Mills.
TIGERS
B: D.Astbury, A.Rance, D.Grimes
HB: B.Houli, T.Hunt, B.Ellis
C: O.Markov, T.Cotchin, S.Grigg
HF: D.Martin, T.Elton, S.Edwards
F: K.Lambert, J.Riewoldt, D.Rioli
R: S.Hampson, N.Vlastuin, C.Moore
I/C: A.Moore, S.Lloyd, J.Short, M.Chol
EMG: N.Broad, D.Butler, C.Menadue
IN: M.Chol
OUT: C.Menadue.