In six seasons the GIANTS have met the Eagles just six times and for the first time this weekend, they’ll meet the team from the west for the second time in the same season.
2017 has been a landmark season in the tale between the GIANTS and West Coast.
Not only do the two teams meet twice in a season for the very first time but this same clash back in round 10 re-wrote the history books for the league’s youngest club.
Heading into that match at Domain Stadium back in May, the GIANTS were looking for their first-ever win over the Eagles and to finally record victories over all 17 other AFL sides.
They achieved both feats as they fought out a tight eight-point win.
The GIANTS had fewer disposals and inside 50s, but smashed the Eagles in the clearances 54-31 while Josh Kelly starred with 29 disposals, one goal, six tackles and seven clearances.
The momentous win on the Eagles’ own turf was that much more satisfying following last season’s one-point loss, almost 12 months ago to the day that these sides will meet again this weekend.
The GIANTS looked set to secure their first win over the Eagles in round 21 last year at Spotless Stadium before a goal by West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui on the siren gave the visitors a one-point victory.
This was a victory snatched from the jaws of defeat by West Coast, who trailed by six points when Rory Lobb kicked his fourth goal of the night with only 80 seconds left on the clock.
Despite the limited number of times the two teams have met, they do hold a unique piece of history with their round three match in 2012 being the only AFL Premiership season match to ever be played at Blacktown International Sportspark.
The GIANTS frequent Blacktown for Fan Days, junior clinics and pre-season matches with the club’s AFL Women’s side playing their Sydney home games at the same venue.
There hasn’t been much movement of players or staff between the two clubs save for ruckman and popular former GIANT Jonathan Giles.
The man affectionately known as “Joffa” played 51 games for the GIANTS and will always be part of the club’s history as the first player to reach 50 games in orange and charcoal.
Giles has played just five games for the season for the Eagles and with his last appearance back in round seven, looks unlikely for a homecoming at Spotless Stadium this weekend.
Be there for the GIANTS’ final home game of the regular season as we get set to take on the West Coast Eagles in our Members Appreciation Round at 4.35pm on Saturday. Click here for tickets.
