Lance Franklin will make his Sydney Swans debut, while Greater Western Sydney is seeking its first derby win, in an intriguing opening to the new season for these two teams.
The GIANTS had hoped to lure Franklin to western Sydney, but instead he will line up in red and white. But GWS had a busy, successful off-season of its own, adding two former Swans in Shane Mumford and Jed Lamb to its list, plus Josh Hunt, Heath Shaw and Dylan Addison and top draft picks Tom Boyd and Joshua Kelly.
Tipped to be right among the premiership favourites, the Swans will expect to start their campaign with a win at Spotless Stadium. But the GIANTS have been focused on this game for months and are happy to talk up their chances of an upset.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday March 15, 4.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2013, Sydney 24.27 (171) d GWS GIANTS 5.12 (42) at the SCG
R1, 2013, Sydney 16.10 (106) d GWS GIANTS 11.10 (76) at ANZ Stadium
R14, 2012, Sydney 19.18 (132) d GWS GIANTS 5.8 (38) at ANZ Stadium
R1, 2012, Sydney 14.16 (100) d GWS GIANTS 5.7 (37) at ANZ Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans will head to Spotless Stadium for the first time. GWS has only prevailed twice at its home ground to date, which has also been known as Skoda Stadium and GIANTS Stadium.
2. The GIANTS have lost all four meetings against its cross-town rival. Last year GWS had both its closest loss (30 points) and biggest defeat (129) to the Swans so far.
3. Lance Franklin will make his debut for the Swans. During his time at Hawthorn, he faced the GIANTS twice, kicking six goals.
4. The Swans were the AFL's best tackling team in 2013, averaging 71 per game. The GIANTS were ranked 14th with 52 per outing.
5. GWS should enjoy a boost in the ruck this year with Mumford in tow. The former Swan combined with Mike Pyke to lead the AFL in hitouts in 2013 with 47 per game. The GIANTS, led by Jonathan Giles, were 13th.
6. The Swans had two players in the Top 10 at the conclusion of last year's Official AFL Player Ratings, Kieren Jack at No.6 and Josh Kennedy at No.7. GWS co-captain Callan Ward led the newcomers at No.29.
Prediction: Sydney Swans by 37 points
