THE SYDNEY Swans' gritty win over Fremantle may be just the tonic needed as the club goes about arresting a slow start to the season. Lance Franklin was back in form with four goals and the Swans' midfield also lifted another gear, with Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh and Dan Hannebery leading the way. Demons co-captain Nathan Jones continues to guide his team, while Jack Viney showed some of his customary guts and determination against the Suns. Luckily for the Demons, Swans forward Kurt Tippett will not play after he sustained a cracked rib in his return to football via the NEAFL. 




WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday April 26, 7.40pm AEST
 
 
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2013, Sydney 16.20 (116) d Melbourne 13.7 (85) at the MCG
R8, 2012, Sydney 21.12 (138) d Melbourne 5.7 (37) at the SCG
R1, 2011, Melbourne 11.18 (84) drew Sydney 11.18 (84) at the MCG
R17, 2010, Melbourne 22.10 (142) d Sydney 10.9 (69) at the MCG
R17, 2009, Sydney 10.8 (68) d Melbourne 6.14 (50) at Manuka Oval
 
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne has won just one game but the Demons have shown vast defensive improvement. Last season the Demons conceded an average of 122 points per game compared to 82 per game in 2014.

2. The Demons are ranked last in the competition for centre clearances, averaging just eight per game. The stats has been one of the Swans' stronges as they rank sixth in the League with an average of 13 a game.

3. The game marks the first time Melbourne coach Paul Roos will coach against his former side. He is the longest-serving coach in the Swans' history, coaching the club 202 times, including the drought-breaking 2005 premiership victory.

4. The Swans continue to struggle in the ruck following the departure of Shane Mumford. In 2013 they were ranked first for hit-outs and clearances. In 2014, they sit 12th and 10th respectively.

5. Melbourne's improvement within games has been noticeable, having won nine of the 20 quarters they have played in this year. The Swans have won just eight from their five games.

6. Sydney Swans midfielders Josh Kennedy (No. 7) and Kieren Jack (No. 8) are their club's top-ranked playersin the Official AFL Player Ratings. Melbourne's Nathan Jones (No. 103) is Melbourne's highest-ranked player.   
 
Prediction: Sydney Swans by 35 points