With the GIANTS and Western Bulldogs facing off at UNSW Canberra Oval this Sunday, we've delved into our photographic archives to highlight a few great snaps that highlight the blossoming rivalry between the two sides.

Ward Faces Friends as Foe

GIANTS co-captain Callan Ward gets tackled by former teammate Will Minson during the GIANTS' clash with the Western Bulldogs at Blacktown International Sportspark during the 2012 NAB Cup. It was the first time Ward had played against his former club since making a high-profile move to the GIANTS at the end of the 2011 season. The Western Bulldogs won by five points, the first of many close encounters between the two sides.

Toby Goes for a Ride

In the GIANTS' first game against the Dogs for premiership points, Toby Greene got carried away in a tackle ... literally. The diminutive forward collected 27 disposals as the GIANTS lost to the Western Bulldogs at UNSW Canberra Oval by 42 points.

Griffen The Bulldog

Before he moved to the GIANTS at the end of 2014, Ryan Griffen was plying his trade for the Western Bulldogs. This photo of him getting tackled by now-teammate Stephen Coniglio is from the round 15, 2013 clash between the two sides. The Dogs got up by four points in a classic as Griffen collected 22 disposals.

Two Champions Bow Out

This image captures the touching moment two sides paid tribute to two champions of the game. Josh Hunt (left) retired after 212 games while Daniel Giansiracusa (right) finished his career on 265 games for the Dogs. Hunt, a two-time premiership player with Geelong, was only at the GIANTS for one season, but his impact was noticeable. Such was his influence that the GIANTS won the round 23, 2014 fixture by six points - another classic encounter between the sides.

GIANT Becomes a Dog

Just nine months after kicking a goal for the GIANTS in their round 23, 2014 win over the Dogs, this photo captures now-Bulldog Tom Boyd under pressure in his first game against his former club. Boyd would go on to kick a goal as the Bulldogs ran out winners in round 9, 2015 by 45 points.

Rookie Reid Returns

This snap captures another former Western Bulldog to become a GIANT, Sam Reid, in action against his former club during the 2016 NAB Challenge clash at UNSW Canberra Oval. It was Reid's first game in GIANTS colours, after spending two years in retirement.

GIANTS Celebrate Second Win

What a moment! Callan Ward, Stephen Coniglio and Shane Mumford celebrate while singing the team song after beating the Western Bulldogs for just the second time ever in round 9, 2016. The trio was highly influential in the 25-point win, with Ward taking home the three Brownlow Medal votes for his performance against his former club.

The Agony and Ecstasy 

This photo captures how unforgiving finals football can be. After what many consider was one of the greatest finals of all time, GIANTS Josh Kelly (22) and Joel Patfull (far right) look on in disbelief as the Bulldogs celebrate their six-point preliminary final win. Another classic contest and a match that would fuel the growing rivalry between the sides.

Another Classic, Different Winners

Another photo capturing the contrasting feelings after a final siren. GIANTS Shane Mumford and Devon Smith embrace after winning the first-ever Friday night fixture in round 6, 2017 at UNSW Canberra Oval by two points. The classic encounter had everything, including a Jonny Patton clutch-goal and a screamer from Matt Kennedy. 

Patton Celebrates 

GIANTS forward Jonny Patton was in unstoppable form during the GIANTS' win over the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium in round 21, 2017. This shot perfectly captures Patton's sheer delight as he kicks one of his four first-quarter goals in the 48 point victory; the GIANTS' largest winning margin against the Dogs.