Melbourne v Sydney Swans: the preview
Melbourne meet Sydney Swans at MCG, Friday 7:40pm (AFL, Round 5). Sydney Swans have won 119 of the 218 meetings with Melbourne since 1897.
The big picture
Melbourne are 15–9 in AFL 2026, averaging 98.2 points for and 90.5 against.
Sydney Swans are 19–6 in AFL 2026, averaging 110.2 points for and 81.6 against.
Form
Melbourne have won three of their last five and most recently lost to Carlton 55–74.
Sydney Swans have won four of their last five and most recently lost to Fremantle 71–83.
Head to head
These sides have met 218 times on our records since 1897: Melbourne 97, Sydney Swans 119, 2 drawn.
Last time out (2026, Round 8), Sydney Swans won 131–114 at SCG.
Biggest margin between these two: Sydney Swans by 124 points in 1986 (189–65).
Players to watch
For Melbourne, watch Jake Bowey (24.9 disposals a game, 2 goals in 2026) and Jack Steele (23.5 disposals a game, 4 goals in 2026).
For Sydney Swans, watch Errol Gulden (32 disposals a game, 4 goals in 2026) and Isaac Heeney (26.9 disposals a game, 32 goals in 2026).
At MCG
Melbourne have won 12 of their last 21 at MCG.
Sydney Swans have won 2 of 4 at MCG.
What the numbers say
On the numbers this is too close to split.
Written automatically from Lineball's own match and player database. Not betting advice.
