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Swans shape as finals disrupters ahead of Cats clash

Swans shape as finals disrupters ahead of Cats clash

Perth Now3 days ago
Sydney aren't out to ruin anyone's season, but if a win over Geelong means upsetting the AFL order then so be it.
Swans milestone man Lewis Melican insists last year's grand finalists are focused solely on finishing their season on a high but is aware they're playing good enough football to cause damage.
Dean Cox's side are out of the finals race after a late-season surge, sitting 10th (11-10) ahead of Sunday's clash against the Cats at the SCG.
Sydney had last week dealt Brisbane a costly blow in the defending premiers' hunt for a top-four finish with a thrilling two-point win and are every chance of doing the same to Geelong.
Geelong had finished last round second (15-6) but could easily slide down the order with just 12 points separating league-leaders Adelaide and ninth-placed Western Bulldogs.
Still, Melican, who will mark his 100th game on Sunday, said the Swans are only focused on using their penultimate clash as a launch pad into next season.
"Our focus is about what we're doing, what we can control," Melican said.
"And yes, a win for us will probably disrupt what they're hoping to do, but our intention isn't to go out and ruin their season.
"It's to get our next season heading in the right direction."
Melican won't be the only Swans defender reaching a milestone, with Nick Blakey to mark his 150th game.
"I had a chat with Coxy to get him dropped so I could have it to myself," Melican joked.
The defensive pair will be given the task of nullifying Jeremy Cameron as the Geelong spearhead chases the monster feat of kicking 100 goals this season.
Cameron leads the Coleman Medal race on 79 goals, with a clash against lowly Richmond in the final home-and-away round.
"The challenge will be not getting caught up in thinking they're always going to go to him (Cameron)," Melican said.
"Because if we have a two-on-one there, they're a great team, they'll just take the option that's on and beat us that way, so we can't focus on that."
Pete Ladhams and Will Hayward return to the Swans side to replace Brodie Grundy (concussion) and Justin McInerney (knee), respectively.
Cats captain Dangerfield is back after being rested against Essendon, alongside Jack Martin.
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