The Battle of the Bridge adds another spicy chapter as the GIANTS and Swans meet for Sydney Derby XXXIII.
AFL - Round 20
GIANTS v Swans
Saturday, July 25 at 4:35pm
ENGIE Stadium | Wangal Country
What It Means for the GIANTS
There’d be no better way to bounce back from a poor loss to the Bombers than by taking down the crosstown rival in a clash that’s crucial to the GIANTS’ finals aspirations.
With games to come against the Swans (ENGIE), the Power (Adelaide), the Suns (Canberra), the Eagles (ENGIE), and the Crows (Adelaide), the GIANTS likely need to win at least three of those final five games to give themselves a chance of featuring in the post-season for the fourth time from four attempts under Adam Kingsley’s reign.
Currently sitting 11th and just outside of the top 10 on percentage, it’s looking likely that the GIANTS are one of four teams fighting it out for one Wildcard spot alongside the Saints, Blues, and Kangaroos – while the Suns and the Power are still a mathematical chance.
If they’re to claim Sydney Derby XXXIII then the GIANTS need to return to the brilliant form which saw them claim statement back-to-back wins over the Dockers and the Cats in rounds 17 and 18, prior to last week’s tough three-point loss to the Bombers at Marvel Stadium.
Giving Essendon just their second win of the season, the GIANTS lacked their usual spark and hunt around the footy which must return on Saturday if they’re to bounce back in the best possible fashion – with a win over the Swans.
While they’ll be missing their inspirational skipper Toby Greene (quad), the GIANTS should enter Saturday confident after showing a strong ability to take down some of the league’s best, with wins already this year against the Dockers (first), Hawks (third), Lions (fourth), Demons (sixth), and Cats (ninth).
More than just another game for both sides, the Sydney Derby is always a spicy clash filled with big hits and big moments and the GIANTS will be hoping they can register a pivotal win in the context of their season.
The Opposition
The Swans will also be looking to bounce back on Saturday after suffering their first loss at the SCG this season in a 16-point defeat to the Crows last Thursday.
After leading late in the third term, the Swans gave up five goals to one in the final quarter as the Crows ran over the top to register a 13.9 (87) to 10.11 (71) win.
Currently sitting second on the ladder, Saturday’s Derby is just as crucial to the Swans who need to keep winning in order to solidify a top four spot and hold off a large chasing pack, with the Hawks just half a game behind them in third and the Lions, Crows, and Dees all one game adrift.
A key area that the Swans must address ahead of the Derby is their ability to cope with manic pressure or find other avenues to goal outside of their slick slingshot footy, with last week’s loss coming largely off the back of the Crows’ stifling tackle pressure and their ability to stop the Swans’ handball game out of defence – often forcing them into costly errors with the ball.
The Swans will also be hoping two of their most important players can fire this weekend after indifferent games against the Crows. Despite collecting a team-high 29 disposals, star midfielder Isaac Heeney failed to have his usual impact in the loss to the Crows where he spent an extended period on the bench in the third term, receiving treatment on his lower back. Star forward Charlie Curnow is another who will be hoping to have a bigger impact this week after finishing with just 0.2 and seven disposals in the loss to Adelaide.
Recent History
It’s fair to say the Swans have had the wood over the GIANTS across the last few years, winning six of the last eight Derbies dating back to 2023 – including a thrilling six-point win in one of the games of the season; an epic Qualifying Final at the SCG in 2024.
The most recent meeting between the sides came back in round six at the SCG earlier this year, with the Swans claiming a 41-point win over a brave and injury-depleted GIANTS side.
Meanwhile the most recent clash between the teams at ENGIE Stadium saw the big big sound blasted at the final siren as a monster third term from the GIANTS saw them overcome a 35-point deficit to surge to a commanding 44-point Derby win.
The incredible third quarter saw the GIANTS kick nine goals to one in one of the more impressive quarters of footy you’ll see.
Key Match Up: Clearance is King
An area critical to Saturday’s result – and one that both sides need to improve on after lacklustre performances last week – is their ability to win the ball at clearance.
While both sides are stacked with midfield stars, each struggled in the clearance battle last week, with the Swans losing the count 51-38 to the Crows, and the GIANTS losing the battle 45-28 against the Bombers.
With clearance allowing a side to dominate territory and set up their defence behind the ball, whichever side can win the ball more from the source and get it going forward will give themselves the best chance of singing the song on Saturday.
While both sides are stacked with midfield talent, an interesting ruck duel is sure to have a major say in the clearance battle, with Brodie Grundy – a two-time All Australian with 259 AFL games to his name – set to face off with emerging ruck Nick Madden who will feature in just his eighth game at the level.
GIANTS Player to Watch: Joe Fonti
Joe Fonti has quickly established himself as one of the GIANTS' most reliable lockdown defenders, and the third-year backman could have one of his biggest assignments yet in Saturday's Sydney Derby.
Becoming known across his first two campaigns mostly for his eye-catching dash and dare out of defence – and his ability to fly high for marks – Fonti has continued to work hard on the defensive side of his game where he’s continued to impress with his ability to nullify some of the competition's most dangerous small and medium forwards.
Fonti could be handed another big task on Saturday: shutting down Swans livewire forward Tom Papley.
One of the game's premier small forwards, Papley has the ability to turn a match in an instant with his pressure, energy, and scoreboard impact.
The Swans star heads into Saturday's clash in red-hot form after collecting 24 disposals and kicking four goals in last week's loss to the Crows, making him a player the GIANTS need to contain.
Should Fonti get the nod, his ability to limit Papley's influence while continuing to provide drive from defence could prove a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of another fierce Sydney Derby.
In The Mix:
With star skipper Toby Greene sidelined, the GIANTS will be forced to make at least one change for Saturday’s Derby.
Those sure to come into contention of an AFL call up are last week’s three emergencies Cody Angove, Harry Oliver, and Joey Delana.
The club’s VFL side also had some strong performers, with Toby McMullin and James Leake leading the way as they push for AFL selection.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their side on Thursday at 6:20pm at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead Saturday’s match here.
