Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for Friday night’s clash between Sydney and Western Bulldogs:
Warner for 15+ disposals and a goal
Chad Warner has become an X-factor player for the Swans.
The in-form 21-year-old is coming off a 25-disposal and three-goal outing in Sydney’s loss to Essendon last week.
The midfielder-forward also recorded 13 inside 50s, 10 score involvements and seven clearances to receive eight coaches’ votes.
Warner is a danger man the Bulldogs will need to keep in check.
Papley to kick 2+ goals
Tom Papley has kicked multiple goals on four occasions this season.
The Swans livewire was wayward in front of goal against the Bombers last week, finishing with 1.3 for the afternoon.
Papley loves the big occasion and Friday night’s match against the Dogs has major top eight implications for both sides.
The stage is set for the All-Australian small forward to light up the SCG.
Alex Zaia
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English to have 18+ disposals and 18+ hit-outs
Tim English is back for the Bulldogs who will be hoping he continues his stellar 2022 form.
He’s only played eight games because of injury and concussion issues, but when’s been in, he’s been huge.
In his side’s Round 3 win over the Swans, English dominated with 28 hit-outs, 24 disposals, eight marks, eight clearances and seven inside 50s up against Tom Hickey.
On Friday night, he’ll go head to head with Peter Ladhams and will be primed for a big one considering what is at stake for the Doggies.
English has averaged 22.6 disposals ad 22 hit-outs in his last three against the Swans and this season overall is averaging 22.2 touches and 23.6 hit-outs.
Upon his return, we’re giving the 24-year-old a little bit of leeway and backing him in to amass at least 18 disposals and have at least 18 hit-outs.
Naughton and Weightman to combine for 3+ goals
Aaron Naughton is the Dogs’ talisman in attack, returning 40 goals so far this year at an average of 2.7.
He has been goalless just once this season and has kicked multiples goals in 11 of his 15 games.
Nipping at his heels is Cody Weightman who has kicked 22 goals at an average of 1.7 in 2022.
The small forward kicked three against the Swans in the earlier edition of this fixture.
The duo should combine for at least three goals at the SCG on Friday night.
Andrew Slevison