AFL ladder leaders Sydney are prepared to carry a target on their backs for the rest of the season as they eye off a prime-time clash with the Western Bulldogs. John Longmire's Swans (9-1) have taken all before them this year, dropping just one game so far and surging six points clear of their nearest rivals ahead of next week's mid-season bye. But they face a difficult assignment against the unpredictable Bulldogs (5-5) at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night, fully aware they have become the hunted in the AFL flag race.
"The nature of the beast is that teams are going to figure out what we're doing now and keep coming after us," Swans defender Dane Rampe said. Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. "If we don't look for ways to get better and improve, then we're going to get caught out pretty quickly.
" Sydney have won six straight games by an average margin of almost eight goals and destroyed flag hopefuls Carlton on home soil last week. They are wary of a Bulldogs outfit that have won their past two matches in convincing fashion - against Richmond and finals contenders GWS - after dropping their previous two. "As of last week they're in some great form .
.. their best players can be really damaging if you let them be," Rampe said.
"We're preparing for a red-hot Western Bulldogs at the end of a really good block that we've had." Sydney were able to keep Carlton's tall forwards under wraps last week, restricting Charlie Curnow, Harry.
