The 4 certainties for Sydney versus GWS

Back for another year, the SEN.com.au team gives you an insight into how every game will play out across the weekend.

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 the Qualifying Final between Sydney and GWS.

Sydney

Papley 3+ goals

Talk about a timely injection.

Six goals across three finals contests in September of 2022, 18 touches and seven clearances in a midfield role in last year’s elimination, Papley absolutely loves a big game.

Not to mention, Paps has kicked a goal in every contest against the Giants since Round five of 2021, amounting to 15 goals in eight contests.

A goal in all but two games this season, one of which he was withdrawn with injury, it’s safe to say Papley will find the big sticks with ease in this one.

Returning for his first game since Round 19 after suffering ankle ligament damage, expect the live wire to perform in the all-Sydney clash.

Rowbottom 20+ disposals, 8+ tackles

Arguably the competitions most underrated midfielder may be in for a massive contest in the finals derby.

Entering the contest as a heavy lifter in the Swans’ midfield, Rowbottom has played four games since returning from injury, racking up 21 touches and nine tackles in his Round 24 matchup with the Crows.

Last time Rowbottom lined up against the Giants, the pressure king had a field day, finding the footy 32 times to go with six tackles and a game-high 11 clearances.

With the stakes as high as ever, expect the midfielder to thrive in what is set to be an intensely physical contest.

Jaiden Sciberras

GWS

Green 25+ disposals

Tom Green is averaging 30.7 disposals a game this season and has also recorded at least 30 disposals or more in nine of his last 11 games.

In his last three full games against the Swans, Green has recorded 35, 38, and 31 disposals, respectively.

Green should be able to easily cover 25+ disposals as he is in some seriously good form and relishes every big game, especially a final against the club's biggest rival.

Whitfield 20+ disposals

Lachie Whitfield has had an outstanding season at half-back, earning himself his second All Australian blazer this season.

The slick ball-user is averaging a career high 30.9 disposals a game this season, and has recorded at least 25 disposals in his last 14 appearances.

After coveringg the 20+ disposal mark in 21 out of his 23 games, Whitfield should keep this positive trend alive as GWS look to lock in a home preliminary final.

Noah Desta

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