SUMMARY: Fans will flock to the SCG to watch the Swans unfurl the premiership flag won in the epic Grand Final against Hawthorn. The home side comes into the match aiming to build on a solid first hit out in a five-goal win over Greater Western Sydney. But what had loomed as a comfortable game against Gold Coast could prove a little trickier than first thought. The Swans are still finding their feet after a shortened pre-season and they face a Suns side that has bolted out of the blocks. Gary Ablett was untouchable as the skipper led Gold Coast to a 13-point win over St Kilda in round one that has it in the lofty position of fifth on the AFL ladder.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday, April 6, 1.45pm?
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST TWO TIMES
R18, 2012: Sydney 19.12 (126) d Gold Coast 8.6 (54) at Metricon Stadium
R16, 2011: Sydney 15.16 (106) d Gold Coast 4.12 (36) at Metricon Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans have comfortably prevailed in the two clashes between the sides so far, including a 72-point win at Metricon Stadium last year as they geared up for the finals.
2. Despite the heavy loss in round 16 last season, Gold Coast won the possession count 398-383, with Ablett securing 42 of his own. The Swans only just won the contested possessions 151-148.
3. While the Swans will be making their 325th appearance at the SCG, the Suns will venture to Sydney for the first time in their short history. They are yet to play at the historic venue, with their away game against GWS last season held in Canberra.
4. The Swans have an excellent record on their home ground, winning seven of their nine matches there last season. The losses were by five points to Adelaide and by seven points to Hawthorn.
5. Gold Coast struggled on its interstate trips in 2012, losing all nine matches by an average of 68 points.
6. Round two hasn't been kind to the Suns in their two-years in the competition. They lost to St Kilda by 92 points in round two last season and to Carlton by 119 points in the corresponding round in their debut year.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the author or the clubs
