Another chapter in the Battle of the Bridge will be written on Saturday as the Swans host the GIANTS in a top-four showdown in Sydney Derby XXVII.  

Match Details

Swans v GIANTS
Saturday, May 4 at 1:45pm
SCG | Gadigal Country

What it Means for the GIANTS

The GIANTS returned to their winning ways last week with arguably their most impressive win of the season – a 54-point smashing of Brisbane at Manuka Oval on ANZAC Day.

Rebounding from their first loss of the season - a 19-point defeat to the Blues two weeks ago - the GIANTS surged back to form with a dominant nine goal to two second half resulting in an impressive 17.11 (113) to 8.11 (59) win over the Lions.

Tom Green (37 disposals, seven clearances) continued his remarkable season in the win, while Finn Callaghan (32 disposals) had his best game of the year with an eye-catching performance.

Now winners of six of their opening seven games and sitting third on the ladder, the GIANTS could be strengthened by the inclusion of three stars on Saturday against the Swans, with skipper Toby Greene available after serving his one-game suspension, while Stephen Coniglio (knee) and Sam Taylor (concussion) will look to prove their fitness to return from their respective injuries.

The Opposition 

The Swans will also enter Saturday’s clash following a strong start to 2024, with the cross-town rivals sitting second on the AFL table with the same 6-1 win-loss record as the GIANTS.

In their most recent outing, the Swans were far too good for the Hawks with a dominant 76-point win over the brown and gold at the MCG on Sunday.

Buoyed by a six goal to two opening term, the Swans were never challenged as they cruised to an 18.10 (118) to 5.12 (42) win.

Swans star Isaac Heeney (21 touches, three goals) continued his strong start to the season with another big game, while Nick Blakey (30 touches, 12 marks) was also damaging.

Recent History 

There’s been no love lost between the GIANTS and the Swans and it’s shaping to be another fierce contest on Saturday after star defender Sam Taylor labelled the Swans “smug” earlier this week.

While the Swans hold a 16-10 advantage in the 26 Sydney Derbies to date, the scales were heavily favoured in the red and white’s favour early on as the GIANTS established themselves as the newcomers in the AFL. 

Since the GIANTS’ foundation years, the gap between the two rivals has been virtually non-existent, with the last 10 contests between the clubs yielding five wins for either side. 

In their two most recent matches, GIANTS skipper Toby Greene kicked a match-winning goal in the final minute in round seven last year as the GIANTS registered a thrilling one-point win at the SCG, before the Swans got their revenge with an 11-point win at ENGIE Stadium (formerly GIANTS Stadium) in round 21 later in the season. 

With both sides sitting inside the top four with just one loss each this season, the stage is set for a blockbuster on Saturday as another chapter in the Sydney Derby rivalry is set to be written.

Key Match-Up: Wonderful Wingmen 

Saturday’s clash will feature three of the competition’s most damaging wingmen, with GIANTS pair Josh Kelly and Finn Callaghan set to battle it out with Swans star Errol Gulden.

Combining time on the wing with time as genuine midfielders, Kelly and Callaghan are two of Adam Kingsley’s most lethal weapons, with their class and silky skills two key ingredients of the Orange Tsunami.

Likewise for the Swans, Gulden has been proven to be a driving force and one of their key playmakers in their strong start to the season.

While Kelly continues to show he’s a star of the competition, averaging 25.7 disposals and 1.4 goals per game across the first seven rounds, Callaghan is quickly proving he too can become a star of the competition as he builds his way back from a pre-season shoulder injury.

Callaghan will enter the Sydney Derby in red-hot form off the back of his best game of the year, with the dynamic 21-year-old using his speed and power to full effect in the win over the Lions to finish with 32 disposals and six inside-50s in an eye-catching performance. 

Saturday’s battle between the GIANTS and Swans’ wingmen will be worth the price of admission alone and could prove critical to who holds Sydney bragging rights come late on Saturday afternoon. 

GIANTS Player to Watch  

Kieren Briggs has shown that last year’s breakout season was no fluke with several impressive games across the first seven rounds of season 2024. 

Preparing for another intriguing battle with Swans ruckman Brodie Grundy, Briggs will enter Saturday’s match-up following another strong outing in the win over the Lions on ANZAC Day.

The 24-year-old finished with 16 disposals, eight clearances, eight inside-50s, 34 hit-outs and three tackles to again be amongst the GIANTS’ most influential players.  

With many believing that Grundy got the best of Briggs in the pre-season hit-out between the GIANTS and the Swans in February, Briggs will be out to prove a point with four points on the line on Saturday. 

In the Mix 

A trio of stars could return against the Swans with Stephen Coniglio (knee) and Sam Taylor (concussion) both aiming to prove their fitness in a bid to play, while skipper Toby Greene will return to the side after serving his one-match suspension in the win over the Lions. 

Meanwhile a host of GIANTS are performing well in the VFL to push their case for AFL selection, with Conor Stone, Nick Haynes, Toby McMullin and Max Gruzewski amongst the contingent.

Team Selection 

The GIANTS will name their team to take on the Swans at 6:20pm on Thursday at gwsgiants.com.au. 

Rehab Report 

Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s match here.  

Where to Watch

Saturday’s match will be shown live and free on Channel 7 from 1:30pm in Sydney and the ACT, as well as nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo from 1:30pm. 

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