The changes
B: Rampe, Grundy, Lloyd
HB: Newman, Aliir, McVeigh
C: Cunningham, Kennedy, Florent
HF: Hannebery, Franklin, Hewett
F: Hayward, McCartin, Jack
FOLL: Sinclair, Heeney, Parker
I/C: Jones, Papley, Robinson, Ronke
EMG: Cameron, Dawson, Fox, Towers
IN: Grundy
OUT: Fox
What to expect
Firstly, a single-digit margin.
In each of the rivals’ past four encounters spanning back to Round 17 2016, they have been separated by eight points or less.
The Swans broke a three-game, brown and gold winning streak when they overcame the Hawks in Round 8.
Sydney has proven the in-form side of the competition over the past three weeks, defeating three finals-bound sides in Collingwood, Melbourne and GWS.
The Swans found themselves three goals behind in all three of these games but have managed to edge their way back in each of what have essentially been do or die clashes for their finals campaign.
One area the Swans have struggled in this season is generated inside 50s.
They rank 15th for forward 50 entries per game and are the only club in the bottom nine of this statistic that is set to feature in September.
Naturally this has led to the Swans failing to hit the scoreboard at a rate similar to other top eight sides.
In fact, the Swans have reached a triple-figured score line on just five occasions in 2018, and just once in their last nine outings.
Expect John Longmire’s side to look to restrict the Hawks’ ball movement and use the smaller confines of the SCG to their advantage.
Player to watch
Jake Lloyd has been a big reason for the Swans form revival over the past three weeks.
One of the Swans’ preferred ball-users out of their back half, Lloyd has averaged 29.3 disposals and 8.3 marks over the period.
Only Tom Mitchell and Giant Lachie Whitfield have tallied more uncontested possessions than the 24-year old in 2018.
The defender’s disposal efficiency of 79.7% this season is higher than any other player in the competition averaging at least 24 touches per game.
Needless to say, the Hawks will be looking to limit Lloyd’s influence on Saturday night’s game.
