Derbies always have a little extra on the line, but Sydney Derby XV is shaping as one of the most important of them all.
The GIANTS will look to sure up their place in the top four while a loss for the Swans could put their finals aspirations in jeopardy.
GIANTS coach Leon Cameron said while Saturday’s clash at Spotless Stadium is just the 15th meeting of the two sides, the rivalry has blossomed.
“We haven’t had that 50 years of history, we’re six and a half years into our existence,” he said.
“No doubt when you’re in a two-team town, whether it’s South Australia or WA, or Queensland you’re going to have a rivalry.
“I think it’s built though, it’s a really good rivalry now. The last two times they’ve got us. They’re close games and we’ve had some really good battles.”
Cameron said this weekend’s clash carries much more weight than usual.
“It’s not just about the rivalry this week it’s about spots on the ladder,” he said.
“Finals spots are up for grabs and trying to
“It’s going to be a great game on Saturday."
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GIANTS co-captain Callan Ward echoed his coach’s sentiments and is expecting a tough clash with the Swans, who have posted back-to-back wins over Collingwood and Melbourne.
“It’s built a lot over the last couple of years. I think if I was just a fan of the AFL I’d love to watch GIANTS versus Sydney just because of the way we play and the Swans play,” he said.
“It’ll be a great game to watch, over the years we’ve had great battles and no doubt this weekend will be the same.”
Swans coach John Longmire played down the significance of the game but was quick to praise the GIANTS, who have won seven of their last eight matches since the mid-season bye.
“Last week’s game was really important as is this week’s, we know we play a really good team this week,” he said.
“We’ve been watching the GIANTS closely as they do with us and we’ve seen a team that’s just got better and better the longer the year’s gone.”
