Sydney Swans vs Western Bulldogs Preview
Sydney will bounce back with a big win over the Western Bulldogs in AFL Round 17.
The Swans had their colours lowered last weekend against Brisbane but come in with a 12-3 win-loss record and have been dynamite at the SCG this season.
Expect a clear response with the Swans unbeaten in seven matches at the SCG this sseason.
The Bulldogs arrive off the bye after grinding out a win over St Kilda, but they still allowed 61 inside 50s in that match and their ball use coming out of defence left them vulnerable. That is a dangerous profile to bring into a Round 17 clash with a Sydney side that can punish turnovers quickly and generate repeat scoring opportunities at home.
Sydney’s midfield will produce plenty with Chad Warner, Callum Mills and Isaac Heeney all finding the ball, while Errol Gulden should be better for the run after returning from a long-term injury.
Charlie Curnow looks a major threat again after kicking three goals against Brisbane and seven the last time he faced the Bulldogs. He has now kicked 27 goals in his past seven matches against the Dogs and should get his chances if Sydney’s ball movement sharpens up back at the SCG.
Isaac Heeney is another who can impact the scoreboard. He booted five goals in his most recent match against the Bulldogs and comes in after four straight games with 30+ disposals and a goal. With his ability to win the ball through the middle and drift forward, he shapes as a strong option to hit the scoreboard again.
The Bulldogs have improved their defensive pressure in recent weeks, but Sydney’s home form, attacking firepower and expected response make them hard to oppose. The Swans should cover the line, with Heeney and Curnow both prominent around goal.
- Sydney are unbeaten at the SCG this season, winning all seven by an average of 41 points.
- The Swans defeated the Bulldogs by 66 points in the most recent head to head
- Charlie Curnow has kicked 27 goals in his past seven matches against the Bulldogs
- Isaac Heeney booted five goals the last time he played the Bulldogs.
Head to Head
Sydney were 66-point winners against the Bulldogs as recently as Round 7 this season but the Dogs won the two prior to that with those games played at the SCG.
Standout player performances in the recent head to heads have come from;
- Ryley Sanders (Dogs)- 25+ disposals in his past two against the Swans
- Charlie Curnow (Swans)- seven goals in the most recent head to head and 27 from his past seven matches against the Dogs
- Isaac Heeney (Swans)- five goals in his most recent match against the Dogs
Sydney Swans Form Analysis
Sydney dropped their Round 16 encounter to Brisbane by 43 points but sit six points clear in 3rd position on the ladder with a 12-3 win-loss record. It was a disappointing defeat for the Swans, trailing the inside 50 count and scoring from 41% of their entries compared to 50% from the Lions. Their post-clearance pressure factor of 156 was their equal third-lowest pressure applied for the season.
Isaac Heeney continued his strong form with 30 disposals and a goal, making it four in a row with 30+ and a goal, while Callum Mills (32 disposals) and Chad Warner (28 disposals and four goals) provided plenty of opportunities. Warner has had 25+ in his last four and kicked 10 goals in that period.
The Swans head back to the SCG and are unbeaten at the venue in 2026, winning seven matches by an average margin of 41 points.
Sydney Swans Team News
Errol Gulden made his return from a long-term injury last weekend and picked up 18 disposals against the Lions from 77% game time. Dane Rampe and Tom Papley are edging closer towards a return from their respective injuries, while Hayden McLean (six goals) and Matt Roberts (36 disposals) had big games in the Swans VFL side and will be considered.
Western Bulldogs Form Analysis
The Bulldogs have had an up-and-down season but have won four of their past five matches and rebounded from a disappointing 57-point loss to Adelaide with a 22-point win over St Kilda in Round 15. They come off the bye in Round 16.
Marcus Bontempelli led the way once again against St Kilda with 34 disposals, while Rory Lobb, Aaron Naughton and Will Lewis booted two goals each. Naughton has kicked 2+ goals in six of his past eight matches, while Matt Kennedy has had 25+ disposals in three of his past four.
Interestingly, the Bulldogs have won all three matches against interstate sides outside of Victoria this season, with those all decided by less than a goal.
Western Bulldogs Team News
Tom Liberatore made a successful return after a lengthy layoff due to concussion with 23 disposals against St Kilda. Laitham Vandermeer is expected to be available, while Judd Busslinger and Josh Dolan have some solid form in the VFL.