Last Practice Match v Sydney

[Mav]

Who we want to see: Just how Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Tom De Koning fit in the same forward line has implications on several fronts, not the least De Koning’s contract negotiations. Skipper Patrick Cripps was cleared of a serious ankle injury but may be rested. Chad Warner was one of the few Swans to impress against Brisbane last week. He is elite. Recruit Aaron Francis was quiet last week.

What we want to see: The Blues let the Magpies boot a handful of quick goals last week. That cannot be repeated if they want to be a top-four side. The Swans are without injured frontline ruckman Tom Hickey. Will Peter Ladhams (tendonitis issue) or Hayden McLean play?

Round one implications: The Blues have yet to confirm how they will juggle their ruck combination come round one. Is Jack Silvagni in their best team? For the Swans, is Lance Franklin still their No.1 forward focus? They begin with a road trip against the Suns.

Your guide to the official AFL pre-season games, The Age.

Seems we should rename this the TdK game. Whether it’s to see how he works with Pitto in the ruck or with Charlie and Harry as a forward, the game is just an elaborate experiment with TdK at its centre.

All we need is to see him play as a tall defender as well so all bases are covered.