There are two Saturday twilight fixtures in AFL Round 22 and the first of those to get underway will be at the SCG with Sydney hosting Port Adelaide. It’s a heavily one-sided contest on paper with the Swans expected to run away comfortable winners at home.
We bring you our full preview and expert tips for the Swans vs Power below, with odds thanks to PuntSport!
Sydney vs Port Adelaide Prediction & Betting Tips: AFL 2026 Round 22
Swans Defending Second Spot
The Sydney Swans return to the SCG this Saturday afternoon looking to maintain their hold on second place. Top spot is effectively gone, as Fremantle sit three clear games ahead with a massive percentage advantage. However, Dean Cox's men desperately need to keep winning to fend off Hawthorn, who sit just two points behind them in third. The Swans showed excellent resilience last weekend against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, overcoming a slow start to mount a second-half comeback and secure a 107-88 victory. Back on their home deck, Sydney has been forced into a major reshuffle. They have lost star ruckman Brodie Grundy due to personal reasons, alongside injuries to James Rowbottom and Will Edwards. Dane Rampe is being managed, and Malcolm Rosas Jnr has been dropped. In positive news, young ruckman Will Green will make his AFL debut.
Power Playing for Pride
It has been a massively disappointing 2026 campaign for Port Adelaide. Sitting 15th on the ladder with just six wins, Josh Carr's side is strictly playing for pride. They enter this clash on a four-game losing streak, having gone down to GWS 75-63 at the Adelaide Oval last weekend. Heading to the SCG to face a premiership contender is a massive challenge, and their task has been made even harder by late selection chaos. Mitch Georgiades has been withdrawn with illness, while Lachie Jones failed to get through the captain's run due to groin tightness. This opens the door for 22-year-old mid-season draftee Alex van Wyk to make his AFL debut, while Jacob Wehr also returns to the senior side.
Swans Hold the Upper Hand
Sydney holds the psychological edge following the most recent clash between these two sides. The Swans travelled to the Adelaide Oval in Round 14 earlier this season and escaped with a thrilling three-point victory, winning 93 to 90. Port Adelaide showed they have a game plan to match Sydney in tight quarters, but executing that with a severely depleted squad on the SCG is a vastly different proposition. The Swans' ability to transition the ball efficiently on the smaller deck usually proves too much for visiting sides, especially those lacking defensive continuity.
Match Prediction and Best Bet
This clash looks fairly straightforward on paper, but backing big margins is always risky at this time of year. Port Adelaide brings an injury-ravaged lineup to the SCG, heavily tilting the scales towards the home side. Sydney simply needs to win this game to stay in second position and lock in a home qualifying final, so they will absolutely get the job done. While the Power might show some early resistance playing with zero pressure, the sheer class of the Swans will eventually overwhelm them. Given Sydney has made five changes and might just do what is required rather than chasing a massive percentage booster, backing them to win by a moderate margin is the best play, albeit with lower confidence.
Sydney 1-39
$2.45 (0.75 Units)
Sydney vs Port Adelaide Prop Bet
Mature age recruit Billy Cootee is starting to find his feet at AFL level, with two goals in each of his last two games, and at least one in four of his six career matches. The Swans are the six-goal favourites to win at home, so there will be plenty of opportunities for their forwards here. Getting even money is great value for at least one from Cootee.
Billy Cootee Anytime Goal Scorer
$2.00
Sydney vs Port Adelaide Same Game Multi
Sydney to Win: Pretty straightforward selection here as the Swans will simply get the job done.
Charlie Curnow 3+ Goals: He’s chasing a Coleman, and he loves this matchup with the Power. 3+ gols in four of his last five against them.
Billy Cootee Anytime Goal Scorer: For the reasons mentioned above in our prop bet.
Jason Horne-Francis Anytime Goal Scorer: He’s in sizzling form and will push forward to break the Jordon tag. At least one goal in eight of his last nine.
Sydney vs Port Adelaide Match Info & Betting Odds
Date: Saturday 8th August
Time: 4:15pm AEST
Location: SCG, Sydney
Odds: Sydney $1.11 vs Port Adelaide $6.70
Line: -39.5
Points: 176.5
Where to Watch Sydney vs Port Adelaide
You can watch the Swans vs Power live and ad-free on Kayo Sports.
Back in our 2026 AFL Tips at PuntSport!
Not familiar with PuntSport? Check out our full PuntSport review here, or by clicking the banner below.
