Last time we met
Sydney 77 d Collingwood 50 (Round 22, SCG)
The Swans ended our 11-game winning streak with a comfortable 27-point win on their home deck. Jordan De Goey was a late out and we struggled to match Sydney's intensity, with a number of our players battling illness - the Swans dominated disposals (+72), contested possessions (+30) and tackles (+22). Josh Daicos, Scott Pendlebury, Darcy Cameron and Brayden Maynard were valiant for Collingwood, while Callum Mills, James Rowbottom, Robbie Fox and Paddy McCartin were key contributors for Sydney.
Key match-ups
Callum Mills v De Goey
De Goey was arguably our most important player in Saturday's Semi Final win against Fremantle and if he produces a similar performance this weekend it will be difficult to negate his impact. If Ryan Clarke isn't tasked with a shutdown role, De Goey could line up against Callum Mills. Mills had plenty of the footy last time the two sides met - 29 disposals, 13 contested possessions and seven score involvements. He's produced a career-best season and earned All Australian selection - he's pivotal at the coalface for the Swans.
Tom Papley v Nathan Murphy
Murphy could be tasked with containing Papley, who is ranked elite for disposals (averaging 15 a game) and marks (four) among medium forwards. He kicked two goals last time the two sides met and also booted two in the Swans first final. Murphy consistently gets the job done for the Pies down back, he grabbed five marks and made four intercepts in our Semi Final win.
Inside word
Craig McRae trimmed a few metres off the AIA Centre oval at training this week to replicate the dimensions of the SCG. "I told the players we'll be better prepared for things like the shape of the ground," Fly said this week. "I believe in setting the players up for certain things." Jeremy Howe said players felt exposed in the middle of the ground during our last visit. "Early on in the last time we played, we felt like we got stuck on the boundary line a lot," Howe said. "It's just getting used to the feel of the dimensions and the way we want to use the ball and also defend."
