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Old bosses align - Saints V Swans |
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by James Kernaghan | behindthegame.com.au
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Overview
The Saints go into this match clear favourites and there are plenty of reasons why. Their excellent NAB cup form has earned them some silverware, their two best midfielders are fit and ready to go for the first time in years, they finally have a ruck division capable of competing with the standard and they have three of the best tall forwards in the competition.
Sydney appear to have fallen apart. They have arguably been the standard of the competition for the past three years, but after an upset flogging at the hands of Collingwood in the elimination final last season, many have questioned the ability of the heavily aging side to keep up with a league full of young, exciting teams currently emerging. They have injected their list with plenty of youth and energy over the trade period, but it may be a year or two before that has any effect on the team. In absolution, Sydney appears to be in a rebuilding phase.
Appears, that is.
The amount of talent and experience in the list is still immense. However aged it may be, this isn't a side to take lightly. Sydney is tough, disciplined and fights right to the end. Beating them, whilst possible, is never easy to do. Paul Roos has the highest win percentage out of any present coach and there is a reason why.
But there's a reason everything is riding on St Kilda. For once, close to their best line-up is taking to the field. They are in great form coming off the NAB cup and the return of Hudghton to defence only makes that better. For all the reasons listed above, St Kilda is considered the team that will perhaps dethrone Geelong, if any team does at all. It's been said a lot before, but this could possibly be their year.
The last time they met
Sydney 12.10 (82) d St Kilda 9.11 (65) at ANZ Stadium, Round 19, 2007
An ugly, dour, rough match where an early lead by the Saints was eventually pulled back before the Swans scraped themselves away to a victory far tougher than the margin would suggest.
Ones to watch
St Kilda
- The tall timber
If the star forward line of Gehrig, Koschitzke and Riewoldt all fire, it will be simply too much firepower for the Swans to handle.
- Lenny Hayes
Hayes was in scary form towards the end of last year and his high-class centreman skills, when up against the notoriously tough Brett Kirk, will be needed in spades.
- Jason Gram
The dasher won best on ground in the NAB final and should continue his amazing form. If he fires, St Kilda will have direction and rebound coming out of defence, dangerous traits in a game that will most likely be slow and rough.
- Adam Schneider
The ex-Swan is hungry to make an impact and will gladly take his chance against his old side. Watch out.
Sydney
- Martin Mattner
The famous Sydney defense has been bolstered by the addition of talented Adelaide defender Martin Mattner. He will be eager to make an impression on the side.
- Darren Jolly
If Sydney want a grip on the game they need to have an impact in the ruck. Jolly has to perform if this match is going to go anywhere for the Swans.
- Brett Kirk
With Hayes and Ball back fit, the St Kilda midfield is nothing to snuff at. Kirk needs to do some serious inside work and put a stamp on the game if the Swans are going to win.
Betting
St Kilda $1.45
Sydney $2.80 |
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