VENUE & TIME: SCG, Friday June 22, 7.50pm (AEST)
HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 217, Sydney 94, Geelong 116
LAST TIME: Sydney 15.9 (99) def. Geelong 12.14 (86), Round 23 2011 at Simonds Stadium
LAST TIME AT VENUE: Geelong 11.15 (81) def. Sydney 7.12 (54), Round 4, 2011
WALKING WOUNDED:
Sydney look set to be strengthened by the inclusion of veteran Adam Goodes from a quad injury, while Daniel Hannebery (concussion) will be tested closer to game time. The underrated Luke Parker is still on the sidelines with his collarbone injury, while Gary Rohan (knee) is gone for the season.
Geelong should regain big forward James Podsiadly from his hip complaint, while Allen Christensen is also a chance to line up against the Swans. Mathew Stokes has a hamstring niggle and is in doubt for the clash, while long-term victims Travis Varcoe (foot), Daniel Menzel (knee) and Nathan Vardy (hip) remain on the sidelines.
FORM:
Sydney's Past Five:
Round 11: Win, 13.8 (86) - 11.16 (82) v Essendon, Etihad Stadium
Round 10: Win, 20.12 (132) - 5.10 (40) v Western Bulldogs, SCG
Round 9: Loss, 12.11 (83) - 16.15 (111) v St Kilda, Etihad Stadium
Round 8: Win, 21.12 (138) - 5.7 (37) v Melbourne, SCG
Round 7: Loss, 8.14 (62) - 13.13 (91) v Richmond, MCG
Geelong's Past Five:
Round 11: Win, 14.13 (97) - 11.19 (85) v Carlton, Etihad Stadium
Round 10: Win, 19.12 (126) – 9.7 (61) v GWS, Simonds Stadium
Round 9: Win, 14.11 (95) – 11.9 (75) v Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium
Round 8: Loss, 14.12 (96) - 11.18 (84) v Collingwood, MCG
Round 7: Loss, 10.12 (72) - 19.8 (122) v Adelaide, AAMI Stadium
The Swans' victory against Essendon last start was full of merit, despite the fact they were almost overrun by a rampant Bombers side in the final quarter. John Longmire's team have won two on the trot now and have lost just once - to the Crows in Round 6 - at the SCG this season.
Geelong continue to go about their business in a professional manner and have quietly slipped into the top eight on the back of three straight victories. A fortnight ago they got past Carlton by 12 points, but their record outside Victoria this season has not been great. The Cats have won one from three interstate this season, with that sole victory coming in the wet against the Lions in Round 5.
WHO'S HOT:
Lewis Jetta - Is there a more improved player in the AFL? Jetta has been a revelation at the Swans this season, with the 23-year-old having booted 27 goals from Sydney's 11 matches. In his past four games Jetta has kicked three goals on three occasions, while also snagging four against the Dogs in Round 10. If Jetta gets the ball in the open there are not many opponents who can keep up with the speedster.
Steven Motlop - The impressive youngster is starting to show signs of how good he could be. Against Carlton a fortnight ago the 21-year-old booted four goals - a career best - bringing his tally in 2012 to 15 from 10 games. Sydney will need to keep a close eye on the flashy forward.
WE THINK:
Sydney did defeat Geelong the last time they met, but before that they hadn't beaten the reigning premiers since Round 5 2006. Read into that what you like, but not many teams would boast a positive ledger against Chris Scott's team during that period.
The Cats of 2012 are not as dominant as they have been in the past five years and the Swans are capable of taking advantage of that. Former Cat Shane Mumford, along with Canadian Mike Pyke, should dominate in the ruck and give Sydney's onballers first use of the ball.
Geelong's backline remains one of the best in the competition, but if Sydney get the ball into their forwards quickly enough then the likes of Sam Reid, Ryan O'Keefe and Trent Dennis-Lane should be able to kick a winning score.
Geelong will be hoping that Sydney's recent inclement weather continues as they thrive in wet conditions, but, even still, the Swans should prove too strong. Sydney by 17 points.