There was plenty of red and white and even a dash of orange at the AFL's first ever Sydney Derby.

An air of excitement surrounded the ground hours before the match as thousands of fans filed into ANZ Stadium to witness history between Sydney's oldest and newest clubs.

Despite a strong charge from the AFL debutants, the Swans ran away to record a 63-point win over GWS in front of a crowd of 38,203.

In the stands the message was clear from Sydney fans young and old: This is our town!

They came from near and far to cheer on their team, from junior Swans fans turning out to get their first taste of AFL to seasoned South Melbourne supporters who made the trip up from Victoria.

But wherever they were from, Swans fans didn't have to wait long for their team to show their intentions, with Kieren Jack setting the crowd alight after slotting through a goal in the opening minute of the first quarter.

It wasn't just the red and white the Sydney fans were celebrating.

In a sign of respect for the competition's newest competitors, long-time Swans supporters were among those on their feet to congratulate GWS captain Callan Ward on kicking his side's first ever goal.

In the words of one seasoned Swans' campaigner sitting behind the goals, "the orange mob might not be barracking for us, but they are barracking for the game we have loved for 30 years (in Sydney) and it's just terrific we're now getting the attention we deserve."

GWS's first goal was not the only mark of respect at tonight's match.

The ANZ Stadium crowd also fell silent for a minute's silence to remember Jim Stynes before the opening bounce.

Swans fans will get their first chance to fill the SCG in two week’s time when they host Fremantle on April 7.