The Sydney Swans clash with the GWS Giants at the SCG in the Sydney Derby XX on Saturday, April 17.
The Swans are one of three unbeaten sides after the first four rounds and are chasing their best start to a season since 2012, yet despite their strong start to the season, midfielder Ollie Florent says the Swans are focussed and hungry to continue on their winning ways.
Despite a lengthy injury list, the Giants are coming off a gritty 30-point win over Collingwood and Florent says the side won't be complacent ahead of the much anticipated clash.
"We've always had a great derby with them," Florent said.
"We know they'll come out a very hungry team. We know that they'll be ready to go, but so are we.
"We're four and zero at the minute, but the biggest thing for us not to get complacent. It's good that we're not, we're still hungry to keep going."
The Swans lit up the competition in the first three rounds, with blistering ball movement and high scoring, but were forced to grind out a three-point win over the Bombers.
Florent believes the team's form is as much to do with the enjoyment the group is getting from playing a more positive style as it is because of changes to the gameplan.
"We're not just letting loose, there is a lot of structure that goes with that," he said.
"I'm just loving my footy, and I'm sure everyone is at the moment."
Florent has backed tough nut George Hewett as the man to curb the influence of Greater Western Sydney star Toby Greene. Greene has been in blistering form for the Giants in recent weeks, having kicked consecutive bags of five goals and 13 in total for the season.
The Giants' stand-in skipper looms as a crucial player in the Sydney derby, but Hewett shapes as a likely match-up after limiting Richmond superstar Dustin Martin's impact in the Swans' upset win in round three.
"I trust Georgie with my life," Florent said.
"But I think there could be a few of them who could have the job ... most of the defenders will be putting their hands up."
Sydney’s fiercest rivalry returns to the SCG when Sydney Derby XX takes place on Saturday, April 17. Be there LIVE in the popular twilight timeslot – ideal for fans of all ages, and a great school holidays activity! Click here to purchase your tickets.
In the nine-year history of the Sydney Derby, the Swans have recorded twelve Sydney Derby wins and the Giants seven.
The first Sydney Derby was played in Round 1, 2012, the Swans victorious by 63 points at Stadium Australia. The last Sydney Derby was won by the Swans, ending a three-game Sydney Derby winning streak by the Giants. The game was played in unique circumstances, in Perth at Optus Stadium, due to the Covid-19 affected 2020 season.
