Sydney's push to lock down a home qualifying final is looking good as they host Port Adelaide at the SCG.

The Swans tightened their grip on second place with a come-from-behind 107-88 victory over St Kilda at Marvel Stadium last Saturday, moving two points clear of third-placed Hawthorn entering the final stretch.

The performance had all the hallmarks of a team that will go deep into the finals; Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Brodie Grundy dominated their respective contests and Charlie Curnow delivered his obligatory three goals.

The stars showed up. The result was secured. However, the win came at a cost, with a handful of key injuries dulling the victory.

Port Adelaide arrive having lost four consecutive matches, including a 75-63 home defeat to GWS last Saturday that extended a miserable run through the back half of 2026.

Jason Horne-Francis has been exceptional in the absence of the injured Zak Butters; with disposals and a goal against the Giants, but individual brilliance has done little to arrest Port’s slump.

When these sides met at the SCG in Round 14, Sydney produced another of their signature comeback victories, edging Port Adelaide 93-90 with Chad Warner's influence through the final term proving decisive.

Even at their worst, the Swans should still have the firepower to overcome this depleted Port side who have little left to play for in 2026.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide Power Round 22 prediction and preview below.

Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide Power Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

Sydney had to work harder than expected against St Kilda last week, but that is increasingly the Swans' way; they absorb pressure, stay in the contest and find their best football when the game demands it most.

Gulden, Heeney, Warner and Grundy collectively pulled the game away in the crucial stages and Curnow's three goals underlined just how dangerous this forward line can be when the midfield finds its rhythm.

The injury toll does create legitimate questions heading into Round 22. Losing Edwards from the back six removes one of Sydney's more reliable defensive performers and Rowbottom's absence from the midfield thins the Swans' on-ball depth at a critical time.

Port Adelaide have historically shown a capacity to challenge Sydney and those two absences may keep the margin tighter than it otherwise might be.

That said, it is difficult to build a convincing case for the Power here. Four consecutive defeats, a group visibly struggling for scoring output and a trip to the SCG to face a side with everything to play for.

Horne-Francis will be brilliant regardless and the Power's best may produce patches that make it interesting. But Sydney have the superior depth, the superior system, and the home-ground advantage.

We expect the Swans to lock up a top-two finish and bank the home qualifying final that comes with it. Port may get within striking distance early, but the Swans' class should tell across four quarters.

Head-to-head prediction: Sydney Swans by 41 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Charlie Curnow leads the league in goals scored this season; the tip of the spear for these Swans who are one of the flag favourites in 2026.

He is consistently the primary target when Sydney attacks from the centre bounce, and with the Power's key defensive stocks under pressure, the match-up inside 50 should favour him.

Don't go past the obvious answer here.

Betting tip: Charlie Curnow.

Most Disposals Prediction

Errol Gulden was among Sydney's best in their come-from-behind win over St Kilda last week and there is no compelling reason to step away from him in this market.

Against a Port Adelaide midfield missing several key operators and low on confidence, the corridors at the SCG should open up significantly, right where Gulden's running game is at its most dangerous.

He finds the ball in tight and he finds it in open space. He’ll be racking up the disposals again in this one.

Betting tip: Errol Gulden.

AFL Same Game Multi Tips

Betting tip: Sydney Swans to win by 40+ / Charlie Curnow 3+ goals / Logan McDonald 2+ goals / Isaac Heeney anytime goal scorer / Errol Gulden 30+ disposals.

Odds are subject to change.*

Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide Power Predicted Teams

Sydney Swans Predicted Team List

FB: Tom McCartin, Lewis Melican, Callum Mills

HB: Riley Bice, Nick Blakey, Dane Rampe

C: Jai Serong, Errol Gulden, Matt Roberts

HF: Braeden Campbell, Jake Lloyd, James Jordon

FF: Logan McDonald, Charlie Curnow, Tom Papley

Foll: Brodie Grundy, Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner

I/C: Harry Kyle, Angus Sheldrick, Billy Cootee, Sam Wicks, Hayden McLean

Port Adelaide Power Predicted Team List

FB: Josh Lai, Harrison Ramm, Balyn O'Brien

HB: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Aliir Aliir, Lachie Jones

C: Jacob Wehr, Jason Horne-Francis, Jase Burgoyne

HF: Xavier Bamert, Todd Marshall, Joe Berry

FF: Corey Durdin, Jack Whitlock, Mitch Georgiades

Foll: Jordon Sweet, Miles Bergman, Willem Drew

I/C: Mitch Zadow, Ollie Wines, Will Lorenz, Christian Moraes, Dante Visentini

Sydney Swans vs Port Adelaide Power Match Details

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

First Bounce: 4:15pm AEST

Location: SCG, Sydney

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports