There’s been plenty of hype surrounding the AFL edition of the Sydney Derby, but what say you about the second biggest game in the Harbour City this weekend?
The undefeated NEAFL Swans go head-to-head against rivals GWS in the highly anticipated curtain-raiser at Spotless Stadium.
It is the 20th instalment of the lower level clash with the Swans holding sway with 12 wins and eight losses since the Giants entered the second-tier competition in 2011.
Despite the good record there’s been no bigger test for the red and white in recent years. The NEAFL Swans’ breakthrough earlier this season was only the third win in the past nine encounters.
“We’re going really well at the moment but it’s always a test against the Giants, especially on their home deck,” coach Rhyce Shaw said on Friday.
“The Giants welcome a few players back this week and that makes a difference to a side so it’s going to be a challenge and we’re looking forward to it.
“The rivalry is there in the seniors of course but also in the reserves as well, which is really good and healthy.”
What else is healthy is the NEAFL Swans’ game plan which should hold it in good stead after the 1pm first bounce on Sunday.
Shaw said job number one will be winning that contested ball.
“They’ll play a majority of their AFL-listed players through the midfield,” Shaw said.
“We need to match them in that area and then going forward providing our talls with some options so they can hopefully put a good score on the board.”
First-year Jordan Dawson and ruckman Tom Derickx returns while the team’s leading goal-kicker in QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-up Matt Wilson resumes his place inside the forward line.
Eighteen AFL-listed Swans have been named, including Sam Reid who pulled up sore during last week’s slog against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
The premiership forward suffered from a sore Achilles, which ended his afternoon early, but has been deemed fit for Sunday’s hit-out.
Toby Nankervis, Dean Towers and Aliir Aliir are senior emergencies.
NEAFL Round 11
Sydney Swans v GWS Giants
Saturday, June 10
Spotless Stadium, Olympic Park, 1pm
B: Colin O’Riordan, Xavier Richards, Sam Reid
HB: Nic Newman, Ryan Hebron**, Lewis Melican
C: Jack Hiscox, Tyrone Leonardis, Abaina Davis
HF: Jordan Dawson, Tom Derickx, Sam Murray
F: Kyle Galloway, Matt Wilson**, Callum McFadden**
Foll: Sam Naismith, Jordan Foote, Brandon Jack
Inter (from): Aliir Aliir*, Toby Nankervis*, Dean Towers*
Emer: Ned Reinhard**, Lachlan Behagg**, Darcy Baron-Hay**, Jake Veale**, Nathan Cooper**
In: Jordan Dawson, Tom Derickx, Matt Wilson, Callum McFadden
Out: Angus Baker, Ned Reinhard, Jake Veale, Darcy Baron-Hay, Jake Brown
* Denotes senior emergency
** Denotes QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-up
