AFL Preview: Swans v Power

Sydney v Port Adelaide
Saturday 4:35pm
at SCG, Melbourne

The Swans midfield will be too much for Port to handle

Form

After being beaten favourites in the 2016 Grand Final the Swans have only one thing on their mind and that’s Premiership glory. They have stuck solid with their list and expect big improvements from Rising Star winner Callum Mills and defender come midfielder Zak Jones.

Port has a one dimensional forward line lead by underperforming recruit Charlie Dixon and their backline lacks a standout key defender. Port’s only hope of playing finals this year is to win 75% of their home games and Robbie Gray to carry them over the line in a few matches.

Stats That Matter

– Sydney have won the last 5 matches against Port Adelaide.
– Sydney have won the last 7 matches against Port Adelaide at the SCG by an average of 42 points.
– The Swans covered 63% of their matches in 2016 to rank equal 3^rd in the league.
– Matches involving Port Adelaide went under the game total 68% of the time in 2016, 13% above the league average.

Betting Data

2016 Line: Sydney 15-9, Port Adelaide 11-11
2016 Over/Under: Sydney 11-13, Port Adelaide 7-15

What To Expect

The Swans head into 2017 with a chip on their shoulder after being beaten favourites in last seasons grand final. This match looks to be quite an easy one for the Swans with a 5-0 record in their last 5 against the Power. The task however has been made a little tougher with Isaac Heeney and Jarrad McVeigh both ruled out. The Power are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2016 and will have some extra motivation as skipper Travis Boak plays his 200^thgame. They will blood mature aged recruit Brett Eddy up forward with Charlie Dixon, though these two are unlikely to trouble the Swans defence. There are showers predicted Saturday which will bring the teams closer together and prevent Port from being blown away.

How It’s Shaping Up

Swans By 20

Recommended Bet

Sydney 1-39 ($2.10)

Player Markets

Fantasy players will be in dreamland when they see the numbers these two sides serve up. In the last two matches against each other, players have cracked the 100-fantasy point mark 18 times at an average of 9 tons per game. Heading the list of players is Josh Kennedy who in his last 5 against the Power averages 116, including 105 and 151 in his last two. Daniel Hannebery is another great option coming off 129 and 146 in his last two against Port. With no Heeney or McVeigh available, the Swans midfield guns will need to spend the majority of time in there and should dominate.

Recommended Bet

Josh Kennedy 120+ Fantasy Points ($2.35)