Where and When: Saturday July 30, 2.10pm, Sydney Cricket Ground
Last time they met:
In an entertaining, high-scoring clash, Sydney Derby XXIII produced another exciting contest in the opening round of the 2022 season at Accor Stadium.
The first-half goal fest saw the Swans and GIANTS one-up each other with end-to-end run, but Sydney had the stamina to keep it up by kicking eight goals to three after half-time to claim a 17.10 (112) to 13.14 (92) win.
Tom Green (31 disposals, two goals) controlled the midfield with his bullocking and contested strength alongside Tim Taranto (28 disposals, one goal). Harry Himmelberg, Bobby Hill and Daniel Lloyd feasted in attack, all booting multiple goals for the GIANTS.
Broadcast:
Saturday’s match will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 2pm.
The match will also be shown via the AFL Live app with a subscription purchase.
The match can also be heard on the following radio stations in Sydney this week: SEN’s AFL Nation. For the latest television and radio broadcast guide, click here.
What it means for the GIANTS:
With plenty of fresh faces expected to return for the clash, Saturday’s Sydney Derby is another chance to get some things right, stay in the game for longer, and keep working towards building momentum for 2023.
Where’s the opposition at?
The Swans are closing in on a top four spot after their blistering opening quarter set them up for an impressive 33-point win over Adelaide at the SCG last weekend. The Swans piled on nine goals in the first quarter, which gave them a nice buffer as the Crows tried to fight their way back in the 17.16 (118) to 12.13 (85) contest. Veteran Josh Kennedy has impressed on his comeback from injury at VFL level and could return this weekend, with Harry Cunningham, Braeden Campbell and Hayden McLean also in contention.
Player watch:
GIANTS coach Mark McVeigh was particularly pleased with Toby Greene's outing against Carlton last weekend.
The GIANTS co-captain showed flashes of brilliance and kicked two second-quarter goals, finishing with 3.2 from 15 disposals, including a high-flyer which puts him in goal of the year contention.
"He gave everyone in Melbourne (an example) of what we love about him," McVeigh said post-match.
"He took a huge grab, got in the face of players, pressured and did everything we ask of him in the right way."
Greene has averaged 14.6 disposals, 2.5 goals and 5.2 marks a game since returning from suspension earlier this year.
In the mix:
The GIANTS look set to be bolstered by the availability of several key players ahead of Sydney Derby XXIV. Josh Kelly, Tom Green, Lachie Whitfield, Jesse Hogan and Harry Perryman are all expected to be available for the clash at the SCG. Cam Fleeton, Will Shaw, Leek Aleer, Jarrod Brander, Cooper Hamilton and Wade Derksen will be considered following strong form in the VFL, with Jake Stein also to come into consideration after being the GIANTS’ unused medi-sub last weekend.
Don’t forget:
GIANTS members have free access to the game this weekend at the SCG. Details have been sent on email for members to redeem tickets.
The VFL also kicks off immediately after the AFL at the SCG this Saturday. Catch the GIANTS VFL side in action from 5.35pm.
