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A preview of the opening match of round four of the AFL between Sydney and Melbourne at the SCG.

PREVIEW OF OPENING GAME OF AFL ROUND FOUR (all times AEDT):

THURSDAY, April 11

Sydney v Melbourne at SCG, 7:20pm

Head to head: Swans 113 Demons 92 drawn 2

Last clash: Round 21, 2018 - Swans 13.9 (87) bt Demons 10.18 (78) at MCG

Preliminary finalists last season, Melbourne have reverted to the dysfunction and disappointment that had characterised so much of their past decade. The Demons' winless start has had all the hallmarks of a team unwilling to put in the hard yards - simply put, their star midfielders haven't worked hard enough defensively to help out a backline who have given up 20 goals in consecutive weeks. The Swans, led by midfield gun Isaac Heeney, made it onto the scoreboard last week with a solid win over Carlton. They will be firm favourites at their home ground.

Key: Oscar McDonald and Sam Frost have had a rough couple of weeks and, with Lance Franklin looming, their task won't get any easier. Limiting his supply is crucial for the Demons.

Tip: Swans by 31 points