Oppo analysis: R8
The strong rivalry with the Swans We have a history of close games with the Swans and this week is shaping up to be a exciting clash. Take a look back at some of the classics from the past few years.
The line up
B: Smith, Grundy, Lloyd
HB: Mills, Rampe, McVeigh
C: Cunningham, Kennedy, Heeney
HF: Hewett, Towers, Florent
F: Hayward, Rohan, Papley
FOLL: Sinclair, Parker, Jack
I/C: Ronke, Jones, McCartin, Robinson
EMG: Aliir, Cameron, Fox, Newman
IN: McCartin, Robinson
OUT: Fox, Marsh
Read: Hawks make two changes to Round 8 team
What to expect
Coming off an upset loss to North Melbourne last week, Sydney will be determined to bounce back from a poor showing in Round 7.
The Swans were left to rue a missed opportunity against the Kangaroos, as his side failed to take advantage of their chances.
John Longmire’s side have lost each of their last three encounters with Hawthorn by a combined total of 17 points.
The Swans are the number one clearance side in the competition in 2018, averaging 40.9 per game.
With 7.4 clearances per game ranking him the fourth-best clearance player in the competition, captain Josh Kennedy leads the way for the Swans in this area, while Luke Parker (six clearances per game) is also among the game’s elite in this area.
Despite having lost two of their last three games, Sydney again figures well-placed for a ninth consecutive finals campaign.
Without their key scoring source in Lance Franklin over the last fortnight, the Swans have averaged just 76 points in comparison to the 90 points they averaged before the former Hawk’s injury.
Players to watch
Callum Sinclair is enjoying an outstanding season in 2018, with career-high averages of 15.7 disposals and 34.1 hit-outs, which ranks him sixth across the competition.
With the long-term knee injury to teammate Sam Naismith and the retirement of Kurt Tippett, Sinclair has revelled in a role of increased responsibility.
No other ruckman in the competition has kicked more goals than the 28-year old, with the former Eagle proving a threat in all facets of the game.
Only Josh Kennedy has had more disposals for the Swans than Jake Lloyd this year.
Playing predominantly on the half-back flank, Lloyd is averaging 24 touches per game at an impressive disposal efficiency of 78%.
The 24-year old is one of the Swans’ most trusted ball-users.
Lloyd’s first quarter injury in the Swans’ clash with the Hawks in Round 10 last year went a long way towards helping the Hawks record a famous victory at the SCG.
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