3 minute read
Racing and Sports will provide analysis of games in the 2024 AFL Season.
We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.
SYDNEY v PORT ADELAIDE
Friday 20 September @ SCG
If you ever thought a game, full of many statistics, was skewed one way then this week's Sydney Prelim is just that.
HOWEVER all of the positive numbers are going one way and it isn't with the home team.
Sydney got the all-time thrashing back in the first week in August. At that time it did look like it was a moment which reflected the Swans decline and they would fade away.
But amazingly they are now coming off four straight wins despite giving away starts and having to flash home.
None more so than the 6 goals in the last quarter that the Giants gave up (a regular occurrence for them). You can't rely on that.
It took Heeney and Warner with a sprinkling of Papley, Campbell and Jordan to arrive back at the home deck. The hearts of their fans were needing urgent attention.
But if anything, it is Port Adelaide that fought off demons to be here. Like precision, a team who gets a 50+ point Qualifying Final loss, wins the subsequent Semi Final.
Mind you a straight kick from Sicily and it was over. There was a rebound from the likes of Rozee and Butters plus the inspiration of youth via Burgoyne to get them home – JUST!
| Match | Sydney | Port Adelaide | Ground |
| Last time they met | 5.6 [36] | 22.16 [148] | Adelaide Oval |
| Last 10 matches | 2 wins | 8 wins | |
| Finals Notes | In Finals: 1/0 Sydney | ||
| Port has won the last 8 clashes including the famous 112 thrashing back 7 weeks ago | |||
Tactic: Which of the big guns do Port go after with probably Drew? Suspect if they watched the Giants game that it will be Gulden as he only got active late.
It is hard to contain Heeney and Warner for the entirety. But Sydney still has to avoid bombing it to three forwards who give a contest but aren't going to do a Dunstall on you.
Like many SCG games, running off half back becomes crucial. Blakey, Campbell and Lloyd will be on their bikes.
Callum Mills loss will be felt through leadership but they were on fire for a lot of the year without him on the park. The signing of Taylor Adams is so important now.
And for Port, Marshall out with concussion means is Charlie Dixon still the one? They can push the mids forward in a one off game.
Going for Sydney to show their true form readying for the Grand Final. It's been a decade since Ken Hinkley won consecutive Finals as a Coach. Reckon the streak continues.
Match Selection: Sydney by 25 points
Suggested Bets: Sydney 16+ @ $1.75