Sydney Swans have climbed into the top three after a 36-point win over defending champions the GIANTS in a curtain raiser for the Sydney Derby on Saturday at the SCG.

The Swans were quick off the mark, and it proved the difference as they never allowed the GIANTS back into the contest on their way to a 13.13 (91) to 8.7 (55) victory.

The Swans welcomed back Aliir Aliir, Jordan Dawson and Nic Newman, while youngster Ollie Florent was making his NEAFL debut, bringing some AFL experience to their side.

A young and in-experienced GIANTS team, fielding only 11 AFL-listed players, battled harfd throughout the match.

Poor execution from the GIANTS backline allowed the Swans to boot two goals within the first five minutes, marking the start of a game where they were trailing by no less than 17 points for the entire match.

Nothing could stop the quick feet of James Rose as he continued his breakout season booting four goals, while Brandon Jack was prolific in the midfield with 35 disposals 10 marks and seven inside 50s.

After half-time, the GIANTS returned to field with some fire booting four majors in a row, looking more fluid as they made the most of the ball inside their attacking 50.

The athleticism from Jake Stein and the inexhaustible performance from returning GIANT, Jeremey Finlayson (31 disposals, 10 rebound 50s) throughout the backline and defence was promising, but the pressure that was executed from the Swan’s forward inside 50 was too good to match.

While the effort seemed to be there from the young GIANTS, the Swan’s determination and continuous pressure from defence was too strong, as they continued to shut down the defending champions.

The GIANTS struggled to gain possession of the ball inside their attacking 50 and as a result, NEAFL leading goal kicker Zachary Sproule finished up with only two goals for the day.

The Swans showed their dexterity in the final term kicking the last two majors of the game, leaving the GIANTS to settle with only one behind.

Next week the Sydney Swans travel to TIO Stadium to play NT Thunder while the Giants have a bye.

SYDNEY 5.2 9.7 11.8 13.13 (91)
GIANTS 2.1 4.2 8.6 8.7 (55)

GOALS – Sydney: J Rose 4 J Dawson 2 T Pink 2 S Murray S Fisher S Edwards L Robertson D Cameron. GIANTS: Z Sproule 2 D Lloyd 2 M Flynn L Tiziani D Addison J Powell.
BEST – Sydney: S Murray M Talia J Laidler B Jack J Dawson. GIANTS: H Perryman T Mohr M De Boer D Lloyd J Finlayson.