Sydney Swans will be gunning for their 11th win on the trot on Saturday afternoon when they welcome the Fremantle Dockers to Sydney Cricket Ground in the AFL Round 16. The Swans sit comfortably at the table summit, with a three-win gap, a healthy percentage, and a 12-point difference.
Each week for the past months, Sydney has produced champion-worthy performances, giving no doubts about their legitimacy as premiership favorites. In the previous round, they registered 102 points to take out cross-town rivals GWS Giants in the Sydney derby.
Midfielder Errol Gulden produced a Man-of-the-Match display, recording a career-high 41 disposal to lead his team to victory. It seems that the Swans are incredibly skilled, with their only vulnerability being complacency.
Fremantle returned to winning ways last week and will be full of confidence against the league leaders. After a disappointing loss to Western Bulldogs in Round 14, they bounced back with a 20-point win over Gold Coast in Round 15.
This week they will face a real test against the high-flying Swans. The Dockers have a comfortable position in the table (sixth), but a win over the Swans will strengthen their playoff position as the end of the season slowly approaches.
Sydney won four of the past five meetings between the two teams. Given their home form, a Fremantle upset is hard to envisage. However, if there is any team currently who could shock the Swans, it is the Dockers.
Sydney Swans vs Fremantle Dockers Form Guide
Sydney Swans Form Guide (WWWWW): The Sydney Swans are first in the AFL ladder.
Fremantle Dockers Form Guide (WDWLW): The Fremantle Dockers are sixth in the AFL ladder.
Sydney Swans vs Fremantle Dockers Team News
Sydney Swans
Injured: Angus Sheldrick (Ankle), Callum Mills (Shoulder/calf), Harry Arnold (Back), Jack Buller (Back), Peter Ladhams (Concussion), Sam Reid (Foot)
Suspended: Luke Parker
Fremantle Dockers
Injured: Josh Corbett (Hip), Nathan O'Driscoll (Knee), Alex Pearce (Arm), Michael Walters (Hamstring), Ollie Murphy (Abdomen), Oscar McDonald (Knee), Sebit Kuek (Knee), Will Brodie (Foot)
Suspended: none
Sydney Swans vs Fremantle Dockers Predicted Lineups
Sydney Swans
FB: Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin, Lewis Melican
HB: Oliver Florent, Harry Cunningham, Nick Blakey
C: Justin McInerney, Chad Warner, Errol Gulden
HF: Hayden McLean, Logan McDonald, Taylor Adams
FF: Tom Papley, Joel Amartey, Will Hayward
FOL: Brodie Grundy, Isaac Heeney, James Rowbottom
I/C: Jake Lloyd, Braeden Campbell, Sam Wicks, James Jordon, Caiden Cleary
EMG: Robbie Fox, Lachlan McAndrew, Aaron Francis
Fremantle Dockers
FB: Heath Chapman, Joshua Draper, Hugh Davies
HB: Corey Wagner, Luke Ryan, Jordan Clark
C: Jeremy Sharp, Nat Fyfe, Hayden Young
HF: Sam Sturt, Luke Jackson, Michael Frederick
FF:Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss, Sam Switkowski
FOL: Sean Darcy, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw
I/C: Bailey Banfield, Matthew Johnson, Jaeger O'Meara, James Aish, Brandon Walker
EMG: Neil Erasmus, Patrick Voss, Ethan Hughes
Sydney Swans vs Fremantle Dockers Prediction
Prediction: Sydney Swans to win by 35 points