<p>Doesn’t this one shape up as an intriguing battle?</p> <p>Just as we thought, Sydney had gotten its ducks in a row and was ready to take a statement victory against Collingwood on a big stage, and were outplayed by the undermanned Pies.</p> <p>The Swans (2-3) now return home for the first time since Round 1to host a Port Adelaide side who quite frankly, shocked the footy world with what they did last week. A big credit to Ken Hinkley who got his boys up for what was a massive grudge match to end Gather Round last Sunday night. That first half was breathtaking!</p> <p>The Power (2-3) return to the SCG, the scene of last years Preliminary Final defeat with some elements of their season back on track. All of a sudden, with the Swans facing a few personnel issues and more early wobbles under new coach Dean Cox, presents them a chance to get back onto an even keel for the season.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Swans vs. Power predictions and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs Port Adelaide Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Sydney Predicted Team</h3> <p>B: Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican, Sam Wicks&nbsp;</p> <p>HB: Jake Lloyd, Joel Hamling, Nick Blakey</p> <p>C: Riley Bice, James Rowbottom, Ollie Florent</p> <p>HF: Will Hayward, Hayden McLean, James Jordon</p> <p>F: Tom Hanily, Tom McCartin, Corey Warner</p> <p>Foll: Brodie Grundy, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner</p> <p>Int: Caiden Cleary, Matt Roberts, Peter Ladhams, Angus Sheldrick, Braeden Campbell</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Port Adelaide Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Jase Burgoyne, Aliir Aliir, Miles Bergman</p> <p>HB: Connor Rozee, Esava Ratugolea, Miles Bergman</p> <p>C: Kane Farrell, Willem Drew, Travis Boak</p> <p>HF: Joe Richards, Ollie Lord, Darcy Byrne-Jones</p> <p>F: Sam Powell-Pepper, Mitch Georgiades, Jackson Mead</p> <p>Foll: Jordon Sweet, Jason Horne-Francis, Zak Butters</p> <p>Int: Christian Moraes, Josh Sinn, Ollie Wines, Joe Berry, Willie Rioli</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs Port Adelaide Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>When the Swans overcame the Power in last year’s Prelim, they snapped an eight-match losing streak against the Alberton-based side, which, of course, peaked with a 112-point shellacking at the Adelaide Oval last year.&nbsp;</p> <p>Port took a significant step toward finding that form last week against Hawthorn, but it remains to be seen if there will be a post-game lag after getting emotionally riled up for such a big match.</p> <p>The observation of where Connor Rozee lines up will be intriguing. Will he stay at half-back in the role that worked so effectively against Hawthorn? Or will he revert to his position in the middle as part of the on-ball brigade?&nbsp;</p> <p>His positioning on the night will likely determine where Dean Cox deploys James Jordon, whether he sends him to Rozee, Zak Butters, or maybe even JHF. The Swans will need to reshuffle their forward line again after Joel Amartey injured his hamstring in the loss to the Pies. Currently, the Swans rank third-last for scores per inside 50, a stark contrast to last year when they led this stat for virtually the entire season.</p> <p>They’re also in the midst of a front-half injury crisis, with only one player from last year’s grand final forward line confirmed available for this week. This means that, with the impending return of Lewis Melican to strengthen the defense, Tom McCartin will again swing forward. They will be anxious about Logan McDonald's fitness and availability, but he might need another week in the VFL to build match fitness.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a battle between two inconsistent teams- two sides still trying to determine their standing in the grand scheme of things this year. A positive for the Swans? Isaac Heeney showed signs of his best form last week in the loss to the Pies. That’s probably why I’m picking the home side here.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-port-adelaide-9107386">Sydney</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>The Swans are missing their number-one small forward and chief antagonist, Tom Papley, a lot. But, they have done well in managing to find a replacement who is of a similar mould and up to the task in Tom Hanily.</p> <p>After being the sub in his first game, He’s been a starter ever since and consistently hit the scoreboard. He got on nice and early against the Pies, and we’re backing him to go again against the Power.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-port-adelaide-9107386">Tom Hanily</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Zak Butters played like a man possessed against Hawthorn. In his two games back, he has returned disposal counts of 30 &amp; 33, and proven to be the Powers spirit and soul.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lock him in to go huge again, particularly if Port wants to have any shot of winning.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/sydney-swans-v-port-adelaide-9107386">Zak Butters 30 + disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Sydney vs Port Adelaide Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Sunday, April 20, 2025.</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>3:20 PM, AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>SCG, Sydney.</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.</p>