The GIANTS are getting ready for a classic Sydney Derby battle when they face the Swans on Saturday.
GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis expects the Swans to come out fighting in the eighteenth encounter between the two sides.
“We’re two highly competitive sides… it’s going to be a huge challenge I must admit that like most Derbies around the country ladder doesn’t come into it too much,” he said.
“Both sides play a similar brand of footy in terms of that competitive style will take over come Saturday.”
The GIANTS have won the previous two Sydney Derbies, including a 41-point-win over the Swans in round six this year.
Despite their recent success, the GIANTS haven’t beaten the Swans at GIANTS Stadium since round 12, 2016.
Davis said the GIANTS will be looking to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
“There’s no doubt the rivalry is as strong as ever,” he said.
“We do take great pride in our performances against Sydney because they have been the yard stick for a long time in New South Wales football.
“We’re trying to make some inroads there in building the game and trying to become a super competitive side.”
Both clubs have more than just pride on the line on Saturday afternoon with the Swans three wins outside of the eight and the GIANTS pushing for a place in the top four.
GIANTS Head Coach Leon Cameron said they’re well aware of what’s required in the final four games of the home and away season.
“We need to win this week; we know where we’re at,” he said.
“Every game you drop at this time of year puts you behind the Eightball and it’s so tight basically from fifth to tenth.
“We can all see the ladder and we know where we’re all at.
“It’s really pleasing that we got away on the weekend, the game could have gone either way and our backs in the end got us over the line.”
The GIANTS will be without defender Sam Taylor for the clash while the Swans have confirmed that co-captain Dane Rampe (eye) and defender Colin O'Riordan (groin) won't play after picking up injuries in their loss to Geelong on Sunday.
In positive news for the GIANTS, veteran Brett Deledio is likely to return.
