AFL Preliminary Final Preview: Port Adelaide vs Sydney
Port head to the SCG for tonight’s preliminary final against the Swans in what should be an epic battle, with Port having the best of the Swans in recent encounters.
The hosts have had a week off to freshen up for a cutthroat preliminary final on their home deck. The Swans played an exceptional final quarter in their last game out against the Giants a couple of weeks ago in the qualifying final, led by superstars Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner.
The Swans will be looking to get the monkey off their back tonight and advance through to another Grand Final. The Swans have not beaten the Power for eight consecutive years: zero wins from their past eight matchups against the Power.
The Swans will be eager to get back to the biggest day in footy, in which they made an appearance in 2022. That year saw a one-sided game as Geelong ran away winners by 81 points.
On the other side, Port Adelaide will be looking to progress through to their first Grand Final since that unforgettable display in 2007 as Geelong tore the Power apart, beating them by 119 points, 24.19.163 played 6.8.44.
The Power are coming off the back of a thrilling semi final win which drew plenty of controversy, particularly after the game. Port won by 3 points last Friday night beating the Hawks, 11.9.75 to 11.6.72.
In these two sides’ last matchup, Port won emphatically, winners by 112 points at the Adelaide Oval in Round 21. Sydney will be looking to respond and respond in great fashion.
Team news:
Sydney Swans:
Ins: Robbie Fox
Outs: Callum Mills (injured)
Port Adelaide
Ins: Charlie Dixon, Ryan Burton
Outs: Todd Marshall (injured), Will Lorenz (omitted)
Our prediction: The Swans will be far too good on their home deck. They’ve had the week off so they’ll be fresh and raring to go. Expecting a good game though, Swans by 15 points at the SCG tonight from 7pm.
Our attendance prediction: With a capacity of around 48,000 people, expect the SCG to be very close to full, if not full. Expect to see 46,986 people in attendance for tonight’s huge match.