Preview Round 20: Collingwood v Sydney Swans

AFL

SUMMARY

Round 20 Collingwood v Swans Friday, Aug 14 7:50pm SCG 7mate / Fox Footy 7:30pm Weather: Min 8 Max 18 Chance of rain 30%: <1mm Wind: E 12kph Betting: Collingwood $3.00 Swans $1.40

The Swans will be hungry to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Geelong last week, and if they don't, their top-four chances will take a massive hit. Luke Parker and Dan Hannebery had rare quiet games against the Cats, so they'll be out for revenge against the Pies. If those two stars go head-to-head with Magpies Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan the fans are in for a treat. It's a rare visit to the SCG for Collingwood and it could be one to remember if the visitors can spring an upset.

LAST FIVE TIMES

1. R2, 2014, Collingwood 12.17 (89) d Sydney Swans 10.9 (69) at ANZ Stadium
2. R20, 2013, Collingwood 14.16 (100) d Sydney Swans 10.11 (71) at ANZ Stadium
3. R9, 2013, Sydney Swans 15.12 (102) d Collingwood 8.7 (55) at the MCG
4. 2PF, 2012, Sydney Swans 13.18 (96) d Collingwood 10.10 (70) at ANZ Stadium
5. R20, 2012, Collingwood 12.6 (78) d Sydney Swans 9.16 (70) at ANZ Stadium 

THE SIX POINTS

1. Magpie Scott Pendlebury was the difference between the sides the last time they met with 33 disposals, one goal and 10 tackles.
2. Collingwood and the Swans have both been successful taking the ball inside 50 this season; the Pies are ranked fifth in the league with 52.6 per game; the Swans are sixth averaging 52.4.
3. The Pies have the wood on the Swans; they've won 13 of the last 15 matches, including 11 in a row in 2006-12.
4. This game will be a battle of the top two tackling sides in 2015; Sydney is ranked first with 73.3 per game, while the Magpies aren’t far behind, averaging 72.9.
5. The Swans' recent form hasn’t been good, losing three of their last four matches, with two by more than 50 points, while the Magpies have won only one of their last seven.
6. Scott Pendlebury is ranked second in the AFL's official player ratings, but Steele Sidebottom is the only other Magpie inside the top 50 at number 44. In contrast, the Swans have six, in Lance Franklin (10th), Josh Kennedy (11th), Luke Parker (29th), Dan Hannebery (32nd), Jarrad McVeigh (48th), and Kieren Jack (50th).

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Scott Pendlebury
The skipper had 37 disposals and laid seven tackles against Carlton last week, and must fire again if the Pies are any chance. Pendlebury's class must be on show against a Swans midfield coming off a smashing at the hands of Geelong, and he'll need a hand from Dane Swan, who is the only other star in Collingwood's midfield.

PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by 19 points.