GREATER Western Sydney gave a glimpse of an ominous future, but the Sydney Swans still rule the Harbour City following a 30-point victory over their noisy neighbours to commence their AFL premiership defence.
The Giants have already taken a decent step forward and will take heart from their display, yet the Swans' extra polish and experience proved telling in their 16.10 (106) to 11.10 (76) triumph in front of 23,690 fans at ANZ Stadium.
Billed as the 'Battle of the Bridge,' the Giants showed they may have bridged the gap on their cross-town rivals but were never seriously in the hunt.
The usual suspects of Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack (three goals) and Ryan O'Keefe were terrific for the Swans, while Shane Mumford dominated in the ruck and up forward.
Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel and Steve Coniglio performed well in the GWS midfield, with Callan Ward and Tom Scully showing strong leadership and tackling pressure.
Jonathon Patton kicked three goals for the Giants and had an entertaining duel with Heath Grundy and top GWS draft picks Lachie Whitfield and Lachie Plowman settled well after nervous starts.
The Swans, who sat back and listened to confident mutterings from the Giants' camp about taking it right up to their opponents, kicked four goals to zero in a one-sided opening quarter.
There was some real intent from the Swans as they asserted their stronger, more mature bodies on the contest.
It was a different story up the other end, with neither GWS key forward Patton or Jeremy Cameron touching the ball in the first quarter.
But the opening 15 minutes of the second quarter will be a discussion point throughout the week and be used as a portent of things to come as the Giants dominated possession and kicked five straight goals.
Patton kicked two, including one from well outside 50m, and their run was capped by a piece of individual brilliance from Devon Smith as the upstarts found themselves in front.
A contentious Jude Bolton free kick and goal halted the Giants' momentum and the Swans closed the term with five goals and a 27-point lead, but GWS demonstrated just how dangerous it will soon become.
Having lost by 63 and 94 points against the Swans last season, the Giants were still within four goals late in the fourth quarter in an admirable display, but the premiers were ultimately comfortable winners and still rule the roost.
Kieren Jack won the Brett Kirk Medal.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 0.4 5.4 7.8 11.10 (76)
SYDNEY SWANS 4.5 9.7 12.9 16.10 (106)
GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Patton 3, Sumner 2, Treloar, Smith, Shiel,
Greene, Giles, Cameron
Sydney Swans: Jack 3, Reid, Pike, Bolton, Goodes, McGlynn 2, Mumford,
McVeigh, Kennedy
BEST
Greater Western Sydney: Shiel, Scully, Treloar, Coniglio, Ward Patton
Sydney Swans: Jack, Kennedy, McVeigh, Mumford, Bolton, Hannebery
INJURIES
Greater Western Sydney: Hoskin-Elliott (leg)
Sydney Swans: Rampe (leg)
SUBSTITUTES
Greater Western Sydney: Will Hoskin-Elliott replaced by Taylor Adams
at three-quarter time
Sydney Swans: Dane Rampe replaced by Tony Armstrong in the fourth quarter
Reports: Tom Scully (GWS) reported for tripping in the first quarter.
Umpires: Leppard, Fila, Chamberlain
Official crowd: 23,690 at ANZ Stadium
James Dampney is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD
