We’ve looked at three midfield duels and the contest between the rucks but now we turn our attention to the most talked about match up of the match; Phil Davis versus Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin.
The GIANTS co-captain was unlucky not to make the 2018 Virgin Australia All Australian 40-man squad while Franklin was named in the All Australian team for the eighth time and also crowned captain.
When it comes to defensive stats, Davis is amongst the elite, averaging 8.8 one percenters, 7.7 spoils and losing just 25.3 per cent of contested defence situations.
Franklin, on the other hand, is amongst the elite forwards averaging 3.2 goals, one goal assist, 3.3 marks inside 50 and 2.9 marks on the lead per game in 2018.
Davis got the better of Franklin for the most part of the first Sydney Derby of 2018, keeping him goaless until the final five mintues when Franklin kicked two crucial goals.
In the second Sydney Derby, Franklin was the match winner for the Swans, kicking five goals and setting up two more.
Four of Franklin’s goals came after Davis was forced from the ground after taking a heavy hit in a marking contest leaving Jeremy Finlayson, Adam Tomlinson and Nick Haynes to try and stifle Franklin.
What the experts say:
“We talk about the GIANTS’ running power and the midfield power and the Swans with Kennedy and Parker, but that’s the key match up; can Phil Davis keep Buddy under four goals?”
“If he kicks five goals he’ll probably set up another two or three which gives them the win.” – Jimmy Bartel on AFL.com.au’s Access All Areas
“The most important player in the finals series for this weekend is Phil Davis,” he said.
“Phil Davis beats Buddy, GWS win, or is that too simplistic?” - Gary Lyon on SEN
Why is this contest crucial?
Sydney Derbies with Davis v Franklin: 10
Franklin kicks three goals or less: Five
GIANTS four wins, Swans one win
Franklin kicks four goals or more: Five
GIANTS zero wins, Swans five wins
