An undermanned GIANTS side fought hard but were ultimately outmatched in the VFL on Saturday as the Swans registered a 78-point win at ENGIE Stadium.  

Played as a curtain-raiser to the AFL Sydney Derby, the GIANTS fielded just six AFL-listed players compared to the Swans’ 12 as the visitors proved too good from the outset en route to a commanding 25.18 (168) to 14.6 (90) win. 

The Swans came out red-hot in the perfect Sydney winter conditions, with a seven-goal-to-two opening term followed up with another eight majors in the second term to race out to a 61-point half-time lead. 

The third quarter was much of the same as the Swans’ class and experience was too much to handle, adding another eight goals to two to further extend their lead to 101 points at the final change. 

Despite a tough outing, the GIANTS fought hard til the final siren and put in a gutsy six-goal final term to put some respect on the final scoreboard. 

The GIANTS’ chances of a spot in this year's VFL finals series will now come down to the final three weeks of the season, with Robbie Chancellor’s side sitting in sixth spot on an incredibly congested ladder ahead of crucial games against Southport, Gold Coast, and an inaugural clash with Tasmania.  

It was a cruel start for the GIANTS on Saturday who despite leading the possession count in the first term were often punished off turnover as the visitors took a 34-point lead into the first break.  

After the Swans kicked the first three goals of the game it took some brilliance from Toby McMullin to get the GIANTS onto the scoreboard, with the classy midfielder shrugging a tackle just outside 50 before finding Hugo Birks deep in attack as he took a strong mark before kicking his first of three goals for the day.  

After the Swans responded almost instantly it was Cody Angove who kicked his side’s second major of the first term after the impressive youngster snapped calmly from 20m out after receiving a free kick for a push in the back.  

While the GIANTS lifted in the second term – kicking the first two goals of the quarter to tease a comeback - they were still unable to completely slow down the surging Swans who responded to finish with eight goals to the GIANTS’ four for the term. 

Joey Delana was the first to hit the scoreboard in the second term as he ran into an open goal before Birks kicked his second to make it two in a minute as the GIANTS cut the lead to 23.  

The Swans kicked into gear from there however as they continued to punish the GIANTS off, kicking four on the trot before Jerome Lawrence kicked a much-needed major with an opportunistic goal from the goal square.  

While the Swans finished out the term with four of the final five goals, a highlight for the GIANTS came in the way of GIANTS Development Coach-turned-player Trent Dennis-Lane who kicked a classy running goal to the delight of his teammates. 

Despite their best efforts the GIANTS trailed by 61 points at the main break as the experience of the Swans continued to shine.  

With the wind in their sails the Swans didn’t let up in the third term as they piled on eight more goals to two in the premiership quarter, with the GIANTS’ goals coming through second majors to both Delana and Dennis-Lane.  

While the result was well out of reach the GIANTS refused to surrender and fought through til the final siren, kicking six goals to two in a strong finish to what was a tough day at home.  

Missing much of their regular firepower, the GIANTS were well led by Mitch Szybkowski (35 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 10 inside 50s, 10 clearances) who had his best game in orange and charcoal with a starring showing in the middle, while stand-in skipper Harvey Hooper (31 disposals, seven marks, five clearances) was also a standout yet again. 

The exciting Delana (22 disposals, eight tackles, six clearances, two goals) was also impressive as pushed his claims for an AFL recall, while rebounding defender Oskar Taylor (27 disposals) continued to provide drive from the back half. 

Harry Oliver (19 disposals, six marks) and McMullin (19 disposals, six tackles, five clearances) also had strong moments, as did Finn Davis (16 disposals, one goal) who capped off a solid game with a long-range goal in the final term.  

While Angove (19 disposals, one goal) didn’t find as much of the footy as in recent weeks he still had strong moments, with a number of eye-catching runs highlighting his ability to take the game on and create something out of nothing.  

Tom Hitchens (19 disposals) was another valuable contributor, while Birks (three goals) was a shining light in attack alongside Dennis-Lane (four goals). 

Brody Kane (12 disposals, five tackles, two goals) also had a strong game with two goals - including a bomb from outside 50 in the final term.  

The GIANTS will now turn their attention to Southport as they travel north to take on former GIANT Cooper Hamilton and the Sharks at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.  

VFL ROUND 18 

GIANTS 2.2 6.3 8.4 14.6 (90) 

Swans 7.6 15.10 23.15 25.18 (168) 

GOALKICKERS    

GIANTS: Trent Dennis-Lane 4, Hugo Birks 3, Josaia Delana 2, Brody Kane 2, Jerome Lawrence, Finn Davis, Cody Angove 

Swans: Joel Hamling 6, Jedd Longmire 4, Tom Ryan 3, Jevan Philipou 3, Tom Hanily 3, Jesse Dattoli 3, Corey Warner, Jake Medved, Kaden Harbour