Sydney holds a clear advantage over Port Adelaide in the head-to-head statistics ahead of the sides’ meeting at the SCG on Sunday.
The Swans have won 20 games to eight in the 28 clashes involving the sides.
It’s the first game at home in 2018 for the Swans and they like playing at the SCG, having won their last seven-in-a-row there in 2017.
The Power has only won four of its 16 matches at the SCG but last time out, in round one of 2017, Port Adelaide beat Sydney by 28 points with skipper Travis Boak starring with 26 disposals and two goals.
The Power has not won consecutive matches against the Swans since 2002-03 so Sunday’s match is set up for that record to be matched.
The teams
Ruckman Paddy Ryder’s injury has opened the door for more time in the ruck for part-timers Justin Westhoff, Charlie Dixon and Dougal Howard.
Three-time club champion Robbie Gray will play his first game for the 2018 AFL Season having sat out the win over Fremantle serving a one-match suspension.
Sydney will welcome back star midfielder Dan Hannebery who has been battling a calf injury in pre-season.
The three-time all Australian missed the Swans’ round one win over West Coast in Perth along with speedster Gary Rohan who stayed in Sydney to help his wife through the final stages of her pregnancy.
Nic Newman and Robbie Fox are the unlucky pair to drop out of the side.
The coaches
Ken Hinkley – Port Adelaide Coach:
“They’re a high quality side, everyone knows that about them – we’d be a bit silly if we didn’t realise that they were a great side.
“It’s always great to get the opportunity to play against the good sides and we look forward to that opportunity.
“Last year was a big challenge for us. They had a real strong side in round one and we were able to get over the top but it doesn’t mean much for this year though.
“Our last couple of weeks have been really strong but we know we are stepping up again this week.
“For us it’s all about what we do and not so much about what Sydney do.”
John Longmire – Sydney Coach:
“They’ve got one of the most talented, if not the most talented, list with the most depth in the competition at the moment.
“The way they recruited over the summer was very much trying to get experienced players in and they’ve got young players developing underneath too.
“If you look at their depth and talent they’re right up there with the best in the competition.
“We saw them play on the weekend and they played a superb game with all those recruits playing really well. It’s going to be a really tough game.”
Sydney v Port Adelaide 4:10pm ACDT SCG, Sunday April
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