The Numbers Comparison
Clearances (average per game)
Gold Coast - 41.1 (3rd)
Sydney – 39.1 (8th)
Contested Ball (average per game)
Gold Coast - 152.4 (1st)
Sydney – 150 (2nd)
Uncontested Ball (average per game)
Gold Coast – 204.8 (18th)
Sydney – 235.7 (3rd)
Disposal Efficiency %
Gold Coast – 70.3% (16th)
Sydney – 71.6% (12th)
Tackles (average per game)
Gold Coast – 66.1 (8th)
Sydney – 65.4 (10th)
Inside 50s (average entries per game)
Gold Coast – 67.2 (7th)
Sydney – 73.6 (3rd)
Game Breakers
Gold Coast’s prized top pick from the club’s inaugural 2010 draft intake produced his best return against Adelaide last week, finishing with an outstanding 37 possessions, four marks and four inside 50s.
He is amongst the leading disposal-getters at the SUNS, with his average of 25 disposals per game ranking behind only Dion Prestia (29) and Gary Ablett (31).
If his 2014 performances are any anything to go by, Swallow is quickly stamping himself as one of the competition’s best young midfielders.
Kieren Jack
Sydney’s All-Star forward line was on full display against Geelong last week, with Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin combining for nine goals in the Swans’ 110-point win over the Cats.
Most impressive, though, was John Longmire’s midfield brigade, with a total of six Swans picking up 30 disposals or more.
Kieran Jack’s 29 touches might have fell just shy of the mark, but the 2013 All Australian half-forward poses a serious threat to the SUNS’ rising on-ball division.
The Swans co-captain was instrumental in the round two victory over Gold Coast last season. He picked up a game-best 28 touches whilst keeping Gary Ablett to 24 possessions; his third lowest disposal return from his sensational 2013 Brownlow Medal- winning season.
There is no question mark over his obvious talent, and Jack will be one to watch heading into this weekend’s clash at Metricon Stadium.
Kurt Tippett
The multi-million dollar spearhead might have only had three starts this season, but he is already averaging four goals per game, including a five-goal, seven-mark performance against Geelong last week.
The Gold Coast product is the closest thing going around to a traditional full forward, rarely leaving the 50m arc with forward partner Lance Franklin playing primarily as a hard-running high half-forward.
Rory Thompson or Steven May will handed the unenviable task of limiting Tippett’s offensive impact, but have both shown their capability in shutting down the competition’s best forwards.
