Will Sydney be able to slow down Patrick Dangerfield?
This is the key question in the build-up to tonight’s Grand Final replay between the Swans and Geelong.
Dangerfield has played just one game since Round 8, returning from a hamstring strain for Geelong’s Round 14 clash against the Power but suffering a partially collapsed lung and a cracked rib during the match.
Despite the extent of the injury, the Cats’ skipper will make his return tonight at the SCG, forcing the Swans to deal with a headache they were hoping to avoid.
“It’s going to be a huge night, do they (the Swans) have the answer to Patrick Dangerfield?,” David King said on SEN Breakfast.
“He’s been a stone in their shoe in this matchup forever.”
Dangerfield has torn apart the Swans throughout his career, averaging 24 disposals and 1.2 goals across his 19 appearances against the club.
One of his best showings against Sydney came earlier this year in Round 6, with Dangerfield leading Geelong to a 93-point win with 31 touches, seven clearances and a goal.
The veteran was also instrumental in the Cats’ 81-point Grand Final win with 27 touches, nine clearances and seven inside 50s.
With James Rowbottom getting the big assignment on Dangerfield last time they faced off, David King is urging the Swans to go in a different direction.
“I’m fascinated to see if they go with James Rowbottom again, as they did last time, who didn’t do a lot wrong but was just mauled, bullied and assaulted from minute one,” he said.
“Or do they trust Luke Parker and say ‘Luke, you’re our most senior midfielder, you’re in great form, take responsibility of this football and get the job done’.
“Something has to change, they’ve got to make a bit of a stand, the Sydney midfield.”
This may serve as a tough task for a Sydney on-ball unit missing one of their big guns, with Chad Warner ruled out of the clash after sustaining a calf injury at training.
With both clubs battling for a position in the finals hunt, all eyes will be on the SCG when tonight’s game gets underway at 7:50pm (AEST).