Bragging rights are on the line as we host the red-hot Swans in a fiery clash at ENGIE Stadium for Sydney Derby XXVIII.
Match Details
GIANTS v Swans
Saturday, June 22 at 4:35pm
ENGIE Stadium | Wangal Country
What it Means for the GIANTS
The GIANTS will be looking to do what only one other side has been able to do this season when they face off with the ladder-leading Swans (12-1) on Saturday.
Sitting 5th at 8-5 ahead of the clash, the GIANTS will enter the 28th Sydney Derby with renewed confidence after overcoming a recent form slump to record an impressive 22-point win over the Power last week.
Despite a slow start, the Orange Tsunami showed passages of its surging best against the Power as the GIANTS outscored the visitors nine goals to three after quarter-time to register an important victory at home to jump to fifth spot.
Several GIANTS starred in the win ahead of Saturday’s Battle of the Bridge, with returning vice-captain Josh Kelly (27 disposals, one goal) instrumental alongside Toby Bedford (16 disposals, one goal) who shone in a surprise tagging role on Port star Zak Butters.
Having been hit hard by injuries over the past four-to-six weeks, the GIANTS could regain some reinforcements for Saturday’s spiteful showdown, with dashing defender Lachie Ash (calf) and star vice-captain Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) both a chance to play if they can get through Thursday’s main training session.
The Opposition
The Swans will enter Saturday’s Battle of the Bridge with a 12-1 record - their best start to a season since 1918 - to firmly establish themselves as the premiership fancy after 14 rounds.
Riding a nine-game winning streak following their only loss to the Tigers in round three, the Swans most recent outing saw them take down the Crows by 42 points at Adelaide Oval last Saturday.
Down by 16 points late in the third and in danger of an upset defeat, the Swans kicked into gear to kick the next 10 goals of the match as they cruised to a seven-goal win.
Joel Amartey was the big talking point out of the victory, with the Swans forward kicking 9.1 from 10 disposals in a match-winning performance.
Sitting three games clear on top of the ladder, the Swans will be hoping they can bring up their 10thstraight victory in the best possible fashion – with victory over the GIANTS.
Recent History
The GIANTS will have to reverse a recent trend if they’re to hear the big big sound on Saturday night after falling to the Swans in four of the last five meetings.
The most recent meeting between the sides saw the Swans prevail by 29 points in wet conditions at the SCG in round eight.
The GIANTS got off to a strong start in the clash to hold a 15-point lead at the first break but were outscored 12 goals to five from there to go down 14.14 (98) to 10.9 (69).
Sparks flew in the contest after GIANT Callum Brown laid a high bump on Tom McCartin which resulted in a three-week suspension for the Irishman, while Tom Green missed most of the match after being subbed out early with an ankle injury.
Key Match-Up: Bedford Blanket?
Last week Adam Kingsley pulled off a masterstroke move as he assigned small forward Toby Bedford to a midfield tagging role on Port star Zak Butters.
Despite being more accustomed to creating goals inside-50, Bedford shone in the role in what was his 50th AFL game to pick up the 10 coaches votes as held Butters to just 17 touches and little impact on the game.
With the Swans possessing three of this season’s best midfielders in Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney, and Chad Warner, could Bedford be utilised again to blanket one of the key Swans on Saturday?
Another match-up to keep an eye on his whoever takes Joel Amartey as he looks to back up his career-best nine goal outing against the Crows last week.
GIANTS Player to Watch: Josh Kelly
Last week the GIANTS’ Rolls Royce Josh Kelly made his return from a month out with a calf injury and the star vice-captain wasted no time in showing exactly what we’ve all been missing.
The smooth-moving midfielder showed no signs of rust to play a pivotal role in the win over the Power as he finished with 27 disposals and a crucial late goal to help seal the win.
A two-time club champion, Kelly’s run and carry and his elite disposal and decision-making are key ingredients to the Orange Tsunami and the GIANTS will be hoping their silky star can produce another powerful performance on Saturday to help take down the Swans.
In the Mix
Ash and Coniglio are both in contention to take on the Swans pending they get through training on Thursday, while James Peatling leads a number of GIANTS pressing their claims through the VFL.
Team Selection
The GIANTS will name their team to take on the Swans at 6:20pm on Thursday atgwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s match here.
Where to Watch
Saturday’s match will be shown live and free on 7 Mate from 4:30pm in NSW and the ACT, as well as nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo.
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