Saturday’s Qualifying Final between cross-town rivals the GIANTS and the Sydney Swans is being spruiked as the biggest game of AFL that New South Wales has ever seen.
And with both sides buzzing with excitement, we thought we’d take a look as to what’s happened at the SCG this week.
Swans co-captain Kieren Jack has backed Sydney’s young bloods to stand up to the pressure of their first AFL Finals.
It's possible up to five of Sydney’s seven debutants could be named to play at ANZ Stadium by coach John Longmire.
"It's a little bit of an unknown for those new players, but you keep it (the build up) pretty stock standard," Jack said.
"You keep the messaging pretty simple with them.
"We finished on top of the ladder for a reason and those players have played pretty well.
"At the end of the day it's a high-pressure game, we know that; they'll be exposed to it and it'll be hot early, but we're confident they'll find their way."
Sydney assistant coach Brett Kirk believes the key to beating the GIANTS is to get on top of the midfield contest early.
“We need to bring a strong, contested brand of footy to win the ball inside as it’s going to help us in giving our forwards the most opportunities,” Kirk said.
“You have to put a lot of pressure on them as they have a lot of great ball users and lots of talent.
“We’re really looking forward to the battle.”
Kirk said despite a bumper crowd expected at ANZ Stadium, the Swans will approach the derby with a business as usual attitude.
“It’s exciting to be part of finals – that’s what you play footy for – but internally we prepare just as we would any other week for this game,” Kirk said.
“We review, preview and then drill into areas of the game that we want to improve.
“Whilst there is a little more at stake and a few more people in the stands this week it’s no different in terms of the build-up for us.”
Meanwhile, Sydney Ruckman Kurt Tippett believes the key to winning the Qualifying Final will be in the ruck contest.
Tippett spoke highly of the GIANTS ruck duo of Shane Mumford and Rory Lobb but believes that he and ruck partner Sam Naismith are prepared for the challenge.
“They’re a fantastic group,” he said on Tuesday.
“And they’re surrounded by some handy midfielders.
“The challenge will be to get our hands to the ball first and give our midfielders first look at it.
“We’re not shying away from it. We’re looking forward to Saturday.”
One youngster who is expected to perform well under pressure is Callum Mills.
On Tuesday the 19-year-old became the first New South Wales born player and third Swan to win the Rising Star Award.
Mills is set to return to the Swans line-up for Saturday’s clash after a minor calf injury kept him on the sidelines for the Round 23 win over Richmond.
Meanwhile, Dan Robinson (shoulder), Zak Jones (ankle) and Abe Davis (ankle) all made successful returns from injury but are more likely to play in the NEAFL Grand Final against the WSU GIANTS.
The Swans players will take huge inspiration into their game after 2012 Premiership defender Alex Johnson ran for the first time in 906 days on Wednesday, following his fifth knee reconstruction earlier this year.
"Alex (Johnson) has inspired us with his attitude, the way he comes in gives us energy all the time," Jack said.
"That's really hard to do for someone in his position, so whenever the players are feeling a bit down, you gain inspiration from what he does when he walks into the footy club.
"He's been through an extraordinary journey and we've witnessed a lot of the lows that he's been through over the past few years.”
Fellow 2012 Premiership player Ted Richards told RSN927 on Wednesday that he is hopeful of returning to the Swans line-up despite not playing since round 17.
"I still come to training every day with the intention to get better and improve," he said.
"And if I do get the chance and the opportunity then I'm going to be ready."
