The changes
IN: Oliver Florent
OUT: Harry Cunningham (foot)
What to expect
The Swans have been somewhat of a new-look side this year.
In addition to the obvious, that they endured a winless first six games of the season- their worst start to a season since they went 0-12 to kick off 1993- many of the characteristics that the Swans have become renowned for have been lacking.
Sydney have led the league in average contested possessions in three of the past four seasons, yet currently they sit a mediocre ninth best.
Furthermore, despite joining Fremantle as the only two sides to have won each of their last three games, their contested possession numbers have remained no better than average across their winning streak, ranking ninth over that period.
So, who or what can be credited for the Swans sudden flip in form?
The answer is their star-studded midfield trio.
Despite not helping the Swans record the league-leading contested numbers that they have become accustomed to, Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy have enjoyed a stellar three weeks which correlate identically with the form of their club.
Over the opening six rounds of the season, the numbers were startling with Hannebery and Parker averaging 23.1 possessions per game, tracking for their lowest returns in six and four years respectively.
But during the last three rounds, Hannebery’s average has boosted to 29.6 per game whilst kicking five goals over that time, whilst Parker has returned to a more recognisable 31.6 touches per outing.
Kennedy too has gone from 27.66 from Rounds 1 to 6, to averaging 36 disposals over the last fortnight.
Some things don’t change and the Hawks have enough experience against this side to know that if you can stop the engine room of the Swans, you go a long way to stopping the entire machine.
Read: Hawthorn's Round 10 team
Players to watch
Despite the plethora of household names in Sydney, no Swan has gathered more disposals this year than Jake Lloyd.
The 23-year old half-back/wingman is enjoying a breakout season, averaging 30.3 disposals to be among only 13 other players in the league to top the 30-possession mark.
What highlights Lloyd’s impressive season is that, among this elite group of 14 players, none average more marks or rebound 50s than the gun Swan.
Lloyd’s disposal efficiency of 79.5% also gives further indication to his importance within the Swans’ dynamic. He will be a key player to the Swans’ fortunes if the Hawks are not able to curtail his influence.
Another player who figures to have a say on the outcome of this match bears a reasonably familiar name to Hawks supporters.
Lance Franklin is having yet another dominant year, averaging three goals a game and 4.33 over the past three weeks.
Hawks defenders will be hoping to emulate their performance against Buddy last time they met, when Franklin was kept goalless in their Round 17 clash last year.
Read: Rookie elevated and set for debut
