HEAD TO HEAD: Sydney Swans 70 wins, Western Bulldogs 77 wins, one draw
LAST TIME: Sydney Swans 10.13 (73) d Western Bulldogs 10.5 (65), round 7, 2011 at Manuka Oval
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A full replay will be available on afl.com.au 12 hours after the completion of the match
FORM: Sydney Swans: LLLWL Western Bulldogs: WWWWL
SUMMARY
Over the past month, the Swans had a number of season-defining matches. Unfortunately results didn't pan out they way they would have liked, losing four of their past five contests, including an 11-point defeat to top-eight rival Fremantle last Sunday.
While the Swans struggled to maintain their early season momentum, the Bulldogs had been heading in the opposite direction prior to last week's clash with North Melbourne. Four straight wins had re-ignited their slim finals hopes before a disappointing 31-point loss to the Kangaroos.
The combined effect is both clubs are absolutely desperate for the four points on offer at the SCG on Saturday.
The Swans have slipped to eighth place, just one win ahead of Melbourne and St Kilda in ninth and tenth respectively.
The Dogs' late-season revival stalled against North Melbourne, leaving them one-and-a-half wins outside the top eight in 12th position.
So expect a fierce contest on Saturday, with the loser potentially saying goodbye to its finals hopes.
QUESTION MARKS
Swans co-captain Adam Goodes admitted this week confidence was low in their young group following their poor recent run. Can they re-discover some mojo in time to keep their finals destiny in their own hands? Also, following some costly and uncharacteristic free kicks given away against Fremantle, can the Swans get back to the disciplined, committed football for which they are renowned?
How will Barry Hall perform in his final game at the SCG? With nine goals in his past two games, Hall is in fine fettle and will prove a handful for the Swans' defence. And how quickly can they rebound from the disappointment of last week's defeat to North Melbourne?
PREDICTION
Sydney Swans by two points
TOYOTA AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH
Ben McGlynn has had a quiet past month for the Swans, with his value dropping $72,500 to $283,700 after a fine start to the season. But he showed some decent form against Fremantle last round, with 18 possessions, five marks and four tackles, and might be able to get off the leash against the Dogs.
Adam Cooney's value has slipped $44,000 this season to $335,600. But he led the way with 27 possessions the last time the Bulldogs met the Swans and would fancy his chances of another strong showing against John Longmire's side.
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The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
