With the GIANTS set to face the Swans in an Elimination Final at the SCG, we take a look at the match-ups that could make all the difference in this crucial clash.

First up is the ruck duel between GIANT Rory Lobb and the Swans’ Callum Sinclair.

We missed seeing Lobb and Sinclair battle it out when the two sides met in round three, with Lobb jarring his knee early in the match and playing out the game up forward. 

In the second meeting between the two sides in round 22, it was fairly even contest with Lobb just getting the better of Sinclair in hit-outs, winning 38 to 34.

Both big men landed three tackles in the game but it was Sinclair who had a slightly better impact around the ground, taking four marks to Lobb’s two and collecting nearly double the disposals of Lobb, 13 to seven. 

Why is this contest crucial? 

The Elimination Final is going to be won by the side which gains the midfield ascendancy and can give their forwards the best service. 

The GIANTS lead the competition for clearances while the Swans sit in ninth spot, with the GIANTS also leading the Swans when it comes to average hit-outs per game.

Hit-outs to advantage will be crucial on Saturday and it’s an area in which Sinclair is just ahead of Lobb, averaging 7.1 hit-outs to advantage per game to Lobb’s 6.9. 

This clash will be one to watch when the GIANTS take on the Swans on Saturday. Stay tuned throughout the week as we preview the biggest game in the history between these cross-town rivals.