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Where: Sydney Cricket Ground
When: Friday August 1, 10.50am (BST)
Watch live: Click here to watch online with AFL Global Pass!
This promises to a Friday Night Football classic as given the importance of the match for both teams due to their respective places on the ladder.
The Swans need a win to stay a-top of the AFL summit, whist a victory for Essendon would go a long way in helping solidify a finals spot.
The two sides have had some brilliant contests over the last few years and this promises to be no different.
Swans coach John Longmire has resisted the temptation to rush back Dan Hannebery back into the side following an ankle injury, though Rhyce Shaw comes back to add a mountain of experience.
The Bombers should come into the clash with fresh legs following their week off, but they will be missing the in-form Michael Hibberd through injury.
All signs point to an absolute cracker of a match – tune in!
Match facts:
1. The Swans are the number one tackling side in the competition, averaging 74.8 tackles a game. Essendon is ranked 10th with 67.4 a game.
2. John Longmire’s side combines tenacity with scoring prowess. The Swans have averaged 96 points a game and passed the 100-point barrier eight times this year. Essendon has averaged 83 points an outing.
3. Can the Bombers stop Buddy? Earlier this year Lance Franklin kicked five against Essendon, taking his tally against the club to 55 goals in just 11 games. He’s kicked five or more in each of his past six games against the Dons.
4. The Bombers continue to like to hold on to the ball. They are ranked in the top two for kicks, total disposals, marks, uncontested possessions and contested marks.
5. Josh Kennedy was a standout the last time these sides met, in round nine, when he gathered 39 disposals and 10 clearances. In 17 games this year, Kennedy has passed 30 possessions seven times.
6. Jake Carlisle has enjoyed an extraordinary turn of form in the past two weeks, helping himself to a combined 45 disposals, 12 goals, 31 marks and an enormous influence in Essendon’s forward line. It has been reflected in the Official AFL Players Ratings, where Carlisle is up to a career-high position of 136th on the table.(AFL.com.au)
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