Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs

Sydney’s high-flying 5-0 start to the 2012 season has hit some mid-air turbulence in May with losses in three of their last four hit-outs. Last weekend the Swans went down to St Kilda by a hefty 28 points to slip out of the Top Four. Worse, their inspirational skipper Adam Goodes will miss another four weeks with his quad injury.

This Sunday the Swans come home to go up against the Western Bulldogs, who come to the SCG sitting 13th on the ladder after a 20-point loss to Geelong on Friday night. The Dogs will be dangerous here – their tails are up after four good wins and they always seem to bring their A-game to the Harbour Town.

The Swans are suddenly in strife. Twice in three weeks they’ve been beaten by underdogs. Worse, leading ruckman Shane Mumford and gun defender Alex Johnson are in doubt with injury and Canadian rugby convert Mike Pyke and Irish rookie Tommy Walsh are out of form. 

Even lightning Lewis Jetta – the star of the season for the Bloods so far – looked out of sorts last weekend despite kicking three late majors. Jetta sits in third place on the Coleman Medal list of leading goal-kickers, four behind leader Tom Hawkins of Geelong and only one behind super-boots Lance Franklin and Nick Riewoldt.

With the Swans diving and Dogs stars Matthew Boyd and Tom Liberatore hitting their straps it all points to a monumental match between two teams bearing fresh scars and old grudges. With competition heavies Essendon and Geelong waiting in the next two weeks, now is the time for the men in red-and-white to show their mettle. Can they turn it around? Be at the Sydney Cricket Ground this Sunday from 3.15pm to find out!