AFL – Sydney Swans V Hawthorn Hawks

Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn Hawks – Saturday 25th of August, 7:25pm, SCG

Few would have expected the top 8 to be all but set going into the final round of the AFL season a couple of a weeks ago but there is still plenty to play for and none more so than this one. A coveted top 4 spot is up for grabs. The fact that over the past 20 years only 2 sides (Adelaide ‘98 & Bulldogs ‘16) have won the comp after finishing outside the top 4 suggests that a lot rides on this one.

A few weeks ago the Swans were shot, big wins against Melbourne, Collingwood and GWS have seen them soar back into premiership contention. Buddy Franklin is in supreme form and the loss of Chip Frawley is a great concern for the Hawks. Buddy looks primed for a huge outing against his old club.

At the other end of the ground Hawthorn will welcome the return of their skipper, Jordan Roughhead. Both teams play a similar style of footy that aims to protect their back 6 via the use of slow and precise ball movement.

A big question will be whether the Swans mecurial midfield of Kennedy, Hannebery, Parker and Heeney can win enough footy to starve the up and coming combination of Mitchell, O’Mera and Worpel.

Expecting the Swans and the Franklin factor to have the edge at home here.

Tip: Swans by 9.

Value bet: Multi bet bombers, swans, lions, giants $27.92 with ladbrokes