Sydney Derby IX
The Sydney Swans and GWS Giants have developed quite the rivalry since the AFL’s newcomers officially entered the competition four years ago.
The two squared off in the Giants’ first ever match and since then, out of eight encounters, the red and white are on top with seven wins and only the one loss.
GWS has become a settled and consistent side. As Swans defender Nick Smith said on Thursday: “They're past that developing stage as a team.”
Taking this on board, Sydney Derby IX is firming as a fierce contest at the SCG.
And there's plenty to play for too with the winners receiving the White Ribbon Cup, while the player judged best afield will win the Brett Kirk Medal.
Women's football takes centre stage
Before the 4.40pm clash, the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants' women's teams will do battle in the first ever Women's All Stars match at the SCG.
Supporters have the chance to watch some of the best female footballers from across NSW and ACT.
The teams have been locked in with the Swans boasting former national class netballers, basketballers plus a player all the way from New York.
With the NEAFL Swans out in Blacktown, plus the Women's All Stars curtain-raiser, Saturday is set to be a big day for the red and white.
Swans' Casey Samuels and GWS' Codie Briggs ahead of Saturday's Women's All Stars match.
Ben is back!
The Swans welcome back veteran forward Ben McGlynn for Sydney Derby IX.
A mix of McGlynn’s experience, speed and defensive pressure will be a luxury in a side that has enjoyed two consecutive wins to start the season.
The 30-year-old has played in the previous two NEAFL matches (a practice game and Round 1) to prove his fitness and that his latest injury worries are behind him.
With Tom Papley also in the side, the Swans will be hoping to pressure GWS’ defence into submission at the SCG on Saturday.
McGlynn's pressure will be an added boost.
Can the big men fire again?
The Swans extracted seven goals from ruck duo Kurt Tippett and Callum Sinclair in last weekend’s clash with Carlton.
Add Lance Franklin’s four-goal haul and you have 58 per cent of the Swans’ total score.
To have all three firing again and stretching the Giants’ defence would go a long way to the Swans winning Saturday’s derby.
If they’re not plucking the football from the sky, that’s when the likes of McGlynn, Tom Papley and the midfield contingent can swoop.
Battle of the mids
It was declared at the start of the week and nothing has changed: Sydney Derby IX will be won or lost in the midfield.
“We certainly don't underestimate these guys,” Sydney Swans captain Kieren Jack said. “Especially their midfield depth. They've got strong players and it runs pretty deep.”
GWS’ midfield has come of age, with the likes of Callan Ward, Ryan Griffen, Tom Scully, Dylan Shiel and Stephen Coniglio all starting the season in good touch.
Plus, the Swans received a good dose of what they can deliver during the NAB Challenge when the Giants’ midfield spearheaded a 34-point win at Drummoyne.
The Swans possess a few handy mids as well so don’t expect a repeat performance as the two midfields go head-to-head on the SCG.
Josh Kennedy is set for a big game.
Farewell to retired legends
Saturday will be the final chance to farewell two premiership heroes – Adam Goodes and Mike Pyke.
The duo, who retired at the end of 2015, will complete a lap of honour during the half-time break as a way to say thank you for the support shown throughout their respective careers.
“They’ve been there through thick and thin,” Goodes said of supporters earlier in the week.
“Some of the supporters who have been there since day one, back in 1998 when I was running around for the reserves, they’re still here supporting the Swans which is awesome.
“It’s going to be nice to walk around the SCG that one more time.”
Fellow 2015 retiree and premiership player Rhyce Shaw will be on match-day duties and won’t be partaking in the lap of honour.
