The GIANTS and crosstown rival the Swans have warmed up for the home and away season with a spirited JLT Community Series clash at Blacktown, with the Swans winning the derby by 11 points on Friday.
Dual club champion Luke Parker was a stand-out for the Swans with 26 disposals, 11 marks
Superstar forward Lance Franklin had another absorbing duel with GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis, the Swan finishing with 19 kicks and eight marks, and booting the last two goals of the match to seal the result.
Lachie Whitfield was outstanding again for the GIANTS, controlling the play from
The Swans kicked the first four goals of the game to be in complete control and didn't surrender the lead until Jonathon Patton nailed a tough set shot early in the last quarter, but the experience of Parker and Franklin helped them over the line against the inaccurate GIANTS.
The Swans' Zak Jones (knee) made a steady return in his first game of the year through the midfield, while star GIANTS forward Toby Greene (toe) and veteran Brett Deledio (
Deledio gathered just one kick from eight possessions playing as a half forward, but GIANTS coach Leon Cameron backed him to continue to improve as he gets more training into his body.
"No doubt he was a little bit rusty early, but I think it's a huge relief that after a good 10-week block of running and training, that he got through unscathed," he said.
"We'll have some sort of hit out and that will benefit him no doubt."
The GIANTS and the Swans also played a NEAFL practice match prior to the JLT Series clash with the Swans winning 11.7.73 to 8.7.55.
GIANTS Rory Lobb and Aidan Corr made successful returns from injury while youngster Aiden Bonar was impressive through the midfield.
Developing ruck Matt Flynn booted three goals while Tim Mohr was strong in
WHAT WE LEARNED
Swans: The number-one ruck spot is up for grabs. After Sam Naismith went down with an ACL tear mid-week youngster Darcy Cameron had his chance to press his claims with Callum Sinclair (ankle) missing, but while he showed some good signs, it wasn't the statement game he was after. Sinclair should be fit for the Swans' trip to Perth in two weeks, so coach John Longmire has some thinking to do.
GIANTS: The Lachie Whitfield backline experiment is here to stay. The gun wingman has been thrown into
NEW FACES
Swans: South Australian Ryley Stoddart didn't find a lot of the footy, but when he did get his hands on it his decision-making was outstanding at times. He's only lightly built but his speed and quality kicking skills are just what the Swans need.
GIANTS: For the second week running Nick Shipley showed plenty of promise, with the western Sydney draftee impressive with his composure through the midfield. Young forward Zac Langdon was forced from the field with a shoulder injury in the second term but returned after half-time and continued to press his claims for a round one debut, while big man Lachie Keeffe was solid in
NEXT UP
The Swans will be on the road when they head to Perth to take on West Coast, while the GIANTS have the next fortnight to prepare for their season opener against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra.
SWANS 4.3 5.4 9.8 12.10 (82)
GIANTS 1.4 4.9 8.12 9.17 (71)
GOALS
SWANS: Jack 3, Franklin 2, Reid 2, Parker 2, Marsh, Lloyd, Kennedy
GIANTS: Cameron 3, Whitfield, Himmelberg, de Boer, Greene, Patton, Lloyd
BEST
Sydney: Parker, Newman, Franklin, Mills, Cunningham, Heeney
GIANTS: Whitfield, Ward, Kelly, Coniglio, Cameron, Taranto
INJURIES
SWANS: Nil
GIANTS: Lachie Tiziani (shoulder), Zac Langdon (shoulder)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Deboy, Donlon, Foot
Official crowd: 1,980 at Blacktown International Sportspark
