The Seven Species of Swans share common characteristics, regardless of their native continent. They're loyal, showing great trust and cooperation in their relationships - committing to each other for life. They're also notoriously territorial.

When the AFL announced in 2010 that the Greater Western Sydney Giants would be entering the national competition, it was hard not to feel protective of our patch. At the time, some thought it might be too soon.

However, Swans champion Heath Grundy, who played in the first-ever Sydney derby and fifteen in total, has always been impressed with the competitiveness of our Sydney rivals.

'It's always been an interesting dynamic,' Grundy recalls. 'Although we had some pretty comfortable wins in those first few games, at the crux of it, we stand for similar things. They've had a great understanding of their game plan and improved pretty quickly, probably quicker than we expected them to.'

English football's Merseyside derby is the country's longest-running top-flight grudge match played between Liverpool and Everton. It was traditionally referred to as the 'friendly derby' due to many local families containing a mix of the two clubs' fans. Since the mid-1980s, however, the rivalry has intensified on and off the field, providing more red cards than any other game in Premier League history.

The Sydney derby follows a similar path. Richard Hinds once wrote, 'What the rivalry needs is a flash point. Something to make it clear that when the Swans and Giants meet, there is real feeling. Not the slightly awkward yet mutually respectful détente that currently exists'.

The Giants won their first derby in the opening clash of 2014. Later that year, it was reported that there was a genuine dislike off the field between the Sydney clubs.

After the 2016 Qualifying Final, the Daily Telegraph declared that an altercation between Steve Johnson and Lance Franklin 'was the moment of sporting theatre that inspired a rivalry to truly ignite.

'Particularly when Leon (Cameron) started running the show, they were always competitive. They had a real will to compete, and once their young guys started to get a bit more hardened, that's when the derbies really started to get going,' Grundy says.

Since the Swans relocated in 1982, the city of Sydney has gradually embraced the game. By the time the Giants arrived, our Bloods had set the foundation for football in New South Wales through thirty years of grit and graft, and that football heritage bred a hardcore following.

Former GWS Head of Media Leigh Meyrick, alongside Matthew Hagias, wrote the book Footy Banners: A complete run-through. In it, they describe the pre-game ritual as 'one of the traditions that make our sport so strong. Like the banners themselves, the foundation of Australian Rules Football will always be shaped and supported by the fans.'

A few years back, Sarah Griswald joined the Sydney Swans cheer squad. During the initial Covid lockdown of 2020, she made weekly banners at home with her kids to support our boys in their bubble. A born and bred Sydney girl, she's spent a lifetime in red and white.

'I grew up with my grandparents, and they were the caretakers at Fort Denison, so they witnessed the Opera House being built. I used to go to the footy with them to watch the Swans when the SCG still had a hill, and we'd pack our lunch to sit and watch the reserves and then the seniors.'

Sarah's Swans dedication knows no bounds, taking a ten-hour train trip to get to last year's Grand Final, and she believes the Swans are the only option when choosing a team in the Harbour City. 'It's great to have that crosstown rivalry. I actually live in Giants territory, but there's quite a few of us Swans supporters around.'

'I've got a good friend at work, and he's a diehard Giants supporter. I'm a teacher, and I have a little Swans corner in my classroom. He'll sneak in and place a GWS flag or footy in there, and I'll do the same kind of thing to him. My kids all know that orange is not an acceptable colour in my classroom!'

Heath Grundy is the ninth-most capped Swans player in history. He's a life member, premiership player, and hall of fame certainty. As a critical component in one of the club's most successful eras, he played in many big games and knows exactly how much an SCG home crowd can lift the team.

'These games definitely have an edge about them,' Grundy says. 'There's certainly more energy around the derby whether we're top and they're bottom, or vice versa; both teams always get up for the challenge.'

'We've had some great crowds at the SCG over the past twelve months, and the game's support has grown significantly. In particular, for us, the new facilities have provided a real focal point and created a great home feeling, which is evolving and growing. You can feel it, and the players really appreciate it.'

No player has won more Brett Kirk Medals - awarded to the Sydney Derby's best-on-ground - than Luke Parker. The five-time winner will be looking to lead the way again this week as the team looks to bounce back.

'Parksy's been a great player for a long time, he's a real in-and-under type, and that's hard to do for so long. Players like him are the real pillars and backbone of the side. He's been incredible, and he'll set the tone this week like he always does, but he'll certainly grit the teeth a bit harder after last week.'

Memory-making experiences frame the story of life's deep purpose. Following the footy in Sydney lends itself to exactly that, something both Grundy and Griswald appreciate.

'The most important memory to me was the night of Buddy's 1000th goal at the SCG. My whole family was there that night, and when he kicked that goal, we all ran out onto the field. I lost a child at one point, got stuck on a fence, lost one of my Isaac Heeney earrings, and ended up with a bad back for a week!' Sarah recalls.

'It's something my kids can talk about, and that's what I want. Through the love of the club, they will always have those memories of me - a sort of legacy because that's what I had with my grandparents.'

Sarah will be with the cheer squad tomorrow, proudly displaying her usual Dylan Stephens banners. Heath Grundy will call tools down on his house-build project to take his boys to the derby.

'To see my young boys come and watch the Swans, wear the colours, enjoy it, and get involved is fantastic’, Grundy says. 'Two of my three boys are already playing with the Maroubra Saints, and you now see kids at the park kicking the Sherrin with their Dads, Mums, brothers, and sisters, and the game has such a broader reach throughout New South Wales. People are so passionate about the club and the game now.'

The 25th Sydney Derby will see two ferocious adversaries go head-to-head for the Lifeline Cup. The rivalry has permeated the city's football fraternity and spilled out from the field to the stands. As we all prepare for the crucial clash, ignite the flame that proves you're proudly Sydney and ready for battle. It's in our blood.