The Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney will start a new era this weekend when their reserves teams clash in a new-look VFL competition.
The two NSW clubs, and four from Queensland, will join 16 Victorian teams in the expanded league that is destined to be the second strongest competition in the country.
The Swans and Giants will open their VFL seasons at Lakeside Oval from 12pm AEST on Saturday, before the two clubs' senior teams face-off a few hours later across the road at the SCG.
The VFL match is free and unticketed, so footy fans have extra reason to head there to watch a competitive local derby.
The crosstown rivals' reserves have warmed up for the VFL with five practice matches against each other during the pre-season, with the Swans claiming three wins to the Giants' two.
But a first match with four VFL points on the line is sure to lift the contest to a higher and fiercer level.
The 22 VFL teams will each play 16 home and away matches across 19 rounds, giving players plenty of opportunity to test themselves against tough competition and perhaps press their claims to join an AFL list.
The Swans will be led by Adam Gulden, who has been appointed captain of the Sydney Swans VFL team for the club's first season in the new-look competition.
Swans VFL player Jake Bartholomaeus is one player hoping the expanded competition will help his chances of being noticed and picked up by an AFL club.
Bartholomaeus was voted the best player in the NEAFL in 2019, in what turned out to be the final season of the league, when he averaged 27 disposals.
The 23-year-old midfielder moved to Melbourne early last year to play with Carlton's VFL affiliate team, but returned to Sydney when COVID hit and the second-tier season was called-off.
"Living and playing footy in Melbourne was something I always wanted to do as a young kid, but to be able to stay in my home city and play VFL was a no-brainer in the end," Bartholomaeus said.
"The opportunity that the AFL clubs give to guys on the VFL list is as good as it can get without being drafted or listed with an AFL club.
"To be able to train with the AFL blokes twice a week, learn off them, and get a taste of what it would be like to get picked up, helps keep the dream going."
The Round 1 fixture will kick-off at 12pm on Lakeside Oval, and shown on Kayo, a precursor to Sydney Derby XX.
For all transport details ahead of the VFL fixture and Sydney Derby XX, head to the Match Day HUB.
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.
