The GIANTS have defeated the Swans by 31 points in a practice match hit-out in Albury.

The GIANTS were the stronger team throughout the evening, leading at every change before ultimately running out 18.18 (126) to 13.17 (95) winners.

Both teams fielded strong squads, although most first-choice stars were replaced by younger players for the fifth and sixth periods.

The match reverted to 16-a-side in the fifth term and 12-a-side for the final part of the match.

More than 7,000 packed into Lavington Sports Ground in Albury to watch some of the AFL's biggest stars ramp up their preparations for the 2022 season.

"Whilst it was a practice game, our guys came with the right intent to play the right way," GIANTS assistant coach Steve Johnson told AAP.

"I thought we tackled with real vigour. We've been working hard on our defence."

Stephen Coniglio and Tim Taranto were prolific through the middle for the GIANTS, while Lachie Whitfield's kicking from half-back helped his side move the ball quickly.

Forwards Bobby Hill, Jesse Hogan, Harry Himmelberg and Jake Riccardi stepped up in co-captain Toby Greene's absence, all kicking multiple goals.

Riccardi was particularly impressive, with his strong marking and three goals a highlight.

"We need him to compete hard in the air and he did that really well tonight," Johnson said.

Former West Coast player Jarrod Brander also showed promise, kicking five goals in his first outing as a GIANTS player, albeit some against weaker opposition after coming on in the third period.

Isaac Heeney's class and strength around stoppages stood out for the Swans, with the 25-year-old poised to take on a permanent midfield role this season.

Third-year player Chad Warner was among Sydney's best, winning plenty of the ball and using it well.

Sydney champion Lance Franklin was quiet, with his only goal coming after the three quarter-time siren.

Veteran GIANTS defender Phil Davis shut Franklin out well, winning a number of one-on-one contests and limiting the star forward's impact.

The duo are likely to go head-to-head ahead in the opening round of the AFL campaign, with Franklin needing just five goals to reach 1000 for his career.

Assistant coach Steve Johnson took the coaching reins for the GIANTS in the practice match with senior assistant Mark McVeigh to take over for the AAMI Community Series next weekend.

The GIANTS take on Collingwood on Sunday, March 6 at 12:40pm at GIANTS Stadium.

The GIANTS open their 2022 season with a blockbuster Sydney Derby clash against the Swans at Accor Stadium on March 19. Tickets are on sale now.

(Scores after the fourth quarter)

SYDNEY     2.3    4.6    6.12      9.14   (68)
GIANTS     4.2    7.7    10.10    12.12  (84)

GOALS

Sydney: Ladhams 2, McLean 2, Parker, Gulden, Hayward, Franklin, Florent
GIANTS: Riccardi 3, Hogan 2, Himmelberg 2, Hill 2, Green, Brander, Stone