It will be a day for celebration at the 2019 Pride Game, but for the Swans, there’s added significance to Saturday’s proceedings.
Farewells to retiring club greats Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack, along with Lance Franklin’s 300th game has the red and white on track for a big afternoon.
But St Kilda will be intent on finishing the season on a positive note, with Brett Ratten urging his players to not let Sydney’s celebrations dictate proceedings.
Shutting down the Swans’ veteran stars, however, may write a different story.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
Round 12, 2018 at Etihad Stadium
St Kilda 7.13 (55) def. by Sydney 19.12 (126)
GOALS
St Kilda: Battle 2, Sinclair, McCartin, Weller, Membrey, Gresham
Sydney: Franklin 4, Sinclair 3, Papley 2, Hayward 2, Rohan 2, Parker 2, McCartin, Heeney, Jones, Kennedy
BEST
St Kilda: Webster, Ross, Dunstan, Battle, McCartin
Sydney: Kennedy, Heeney, Franklin, Hewett, Florent, McVeigh, Sinclair, Grundy
WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR:
1. JARRAD MCVEIGH V NICK HIND
Jarrad McVeigh announced his retirement earlier in the week after 16 seasons at the Swans.
They may be at opposite ends of their careers, but the match-up between Jarrad McVeigh and Nick Hind could be an intriguing one come Saturday.
While the dynamic Saint may have the Premiership captain covered for pace, McVeigh’s experience might be able to prevent Hind from getting off the leash.
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Quad injuries have seen the 34-year-old play just the five games this season, but the retiring superstar hasn’t lost any of his wisdom or nous despite his stint on the sidelines.
With Hind’s evasive skills and electric speed at the forefront, it will take all of McVeigh’s talents to curtail the Saints' roadrunner.
2. KIEREN JACK V DAN HANNEBERY
Kieren Jack has the tackling capacity to bring down big men like Rowan Marshall.
They’ve shared both friendship and a premiership during their time at the Swans.
But on Saturday, Kieren Jack and Dan Hannebery will be pitted against each other for the first time in their careers.
The duo has had their 2019 campaigns halted by injury, but their class when fully firing is undeniable.
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Jack’s evolution from an uninspiring rookie to a dogged midfielder has been a largely unsung story, with his skill and grunt a major factor in Sydney’s lengthy bouts of success.
And based off his determination, there’s going to be a little left in the tank for the Swan’s farewell game.
The ‘Trailblazer’ is likely to come to blows with Hannebery, who is reaching his full potential after four games in the red, white and black.
3. LANCE FRANKLIN V JAKE CARLISLE
The Sydney powerhouse will play game 300 in front of Sydney supporters at the SCG.
Lance Franklin, even when underdone, is nothing short of damaging.
And with all reports indicating that Buddy is at the peak of his powers for his 300th game, it’s an ominous prospect for the Saints’ defence.
Franklin’s accolades speak for themselves, with his footballing resume something many can only dream of – game 300 making it all the more special.
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The No. 23 has kicked 27 goals against the Saints during his time at the Swans, with that incredible figure coming after just six games.
Armed with a powerful left boot and an aura of dominance whenever he takes to the field, it will take Jake Carlisle’s best to negate the eight-time All Australian.
Carlisle’s mobility makes him the most likely candidate, but the Saints will have multiple options to rein in Franklin, with Nathan Brown, Josh Battle and 100-gamer Sam Rowe big enough to grapple with the Sydney powerhouse.
