Sydney Swans v Melbourne Demons

Sydney suffered their second straight defeat last Saturday, an emphatic 29-point thumping by the Richmond Tigers that sent them skidding out of the top four for the first time this season. Suddenly it’s panic stations at Swans Central.

This Saturday at the SCG, Sydney battle the Melbourne Demons, a proud team on their knees in 2012 and currently holding down last spot on the ladder as they continue to mourn the death of their former star and president, Jim Stynes, to cancer in March age 45.

The Dees may be scoring straight Fs this season but the Swans will still be scared. The fruit of their five straight wins to kick-start the season is now withering on the vine and the injury to duel Brownlow-winner Adam Goodes in the home game loss to Adelaide on May 5 leaves a gaping hole in their side which they must plug mighty fast or they’ll sink.

The winless Demons have heart in spades and can smell panic on the Sydney breeze.

Most worrying for Swans coach John Longmire is that his side have conceded five goals to their foes in the first quarter. Slow starts in their next three games following this one (St Kilda away on May 26, Western Bulldogs at home on June 3 and Essendon away on June 9) could kill their 2012 premiership flag hopes cold.

Hell, even GWS on June 30 at ANZ Stadium could spell trouble!

Can the Bloods lick their wounds and recover form to drub the Demons on Saturday afternoon at the Sydney Cricket Ground? Be at the SCG from 4.40pm to find out!

Pre-game gargle? Cricketers Arms: where the fire is blazing and the beers are plentiful. 

Post-match munch? Love Supreme: brilliant pizzas, gutsy pastas and sublime salads.