Fortunately, the home team will have skipper Jonathan Brown on the field after his match day report was thrown out. But the Swans will be sweating on the availability of Brett Kirk, who faces a charge of recklessly making contact with an umpire, and Barry Hall, who is in doubt with a groin injury.
Regardless of availability the Swans have no fear coming to the Gabba and are fresh from Saturday night’s stunning 38-point victory over premiers Hawthorn.
It’s a case of déjà vu for the Lions who came up against another in-form team in Carlton on Saturday night.
For the second match in succession the Lions gave up a big half-time lead, but this time they were unable to reign it in.
2009 to date: Only two rounds in but it’s been a real Jekyll and Hyde start to the Swans campaign this season. They went goalless for two quarters against St Kilda in a worrying loss, but found the big sticks last weekend with a huge 38-point win over Hawthorn.
The coach: Paul Roos is facing a different challenge in 2009 to past seasons. So often a premiership threat led by a list of established stars, Roos is turning to a younger brigade to carry his team’s hopes this season. While the likes of Hall, Goodes and Kirk still have a huge influence, Kieran Jack, Craig Bird, Jesse White and Heath Grundy are now names making their mark.
In doubt: Barry Hall (groin) was rated a 50/50 chance of playing by his coach Paul Roos on Monday. Hall booted four in Sydney’s win over Hawthorn and has traditionally been a handful for Lions fullback Daniel Merrett. Swans captain Brett Kirk was also set to face the tribunal after being charged with recklessly making contact with an umpire.
The gun: Adam Goodes. No real surprise to say a two time Brownlow Medallist is the go-to man for the Swans. Like most teams in the League, the Lions have trouble matching up with Goodes, who is red-hot after kicking four goals last weekend. Whether he’s rucking, pushing forward or drifting back into space in front of the Lions’ big forwards, expect his influence to be vital on Saturday night.
The bolter: Jesse White is a young Queenslander who will come `home’ for the first time on Saturday night choc full of confidence. The big ruckman had 20 hit-outs against the Hawks as he and Darren Jolly dominated the premiers to steer the Swans home. White not only starred around the stoppages but kicked his first AFL goal in his fourth career game.
Strengths: They may have been razzle dazzle last week with 22 goals, but the Swans’ toughness is still the key to their game. Any team with Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton, Jarrad McVeigh and Craig Bolton will be hard-at-it and ready to go. If Hall and Goodes fire, with help from Ryan O’Keefe up front, the Swans have also got plenty of goals in them.
Weaknesses: Consistency will be the major question mark over the Swans. The end of 2008 was up-and-down, just like the first two rounds in 2009. And while the defence was strong against the Hawks - they kept Roughead and Franklin to a combined five goals - there still appears to be some question marks in the back half. Craig Bolton is a rock but the rest of the back six are still finding their feet.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
