The Greater Western Sydney Giants have brought their cross-town rivals Sydney Swans’ season to the brink with a 18.12 (120) to 12.7 (79) win in the 17th Sydney Derby (also known as the “Battle of the Bridge”) at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday night.
This was the Giants’ fourth win of the year - a strong rebound after losing to the Fremantle Dockers in Canberra last week. Stephen Coniglio dominated the score sheet with four goals. Daniel Lloyd, Toby Greene, and Jeremy Cameron all chipped in with three goals, while Lachie Whitfield kicked two.
Jacob Hopper, Josh Kelly, Zac Williams and Tim Taranto were standouts with over 30 disposals each. Hopper lead the way with 33 touches in a game dominated by the Giants. They kicked eleven goals to five in the second half after only leading by five points at the main break.
For the Sydney Swans, this was their fifth loss out of the first six games, with their only win so far being against Carlton three weeks ago. It has also continued their winless record at home this year.
Nick Blakey, Sam Reid, Jordan Dawson and Luke Parker all kicked two goals for the Swans. Josh P. Kennedy racked up 32 disposals and Zak Jones was second best with 27.
Neither team sustained injuries during the game but both had a star player withdrawn just before the match started. Sydney’s Lance Franklin was taken out with a minor hamstring strain, replaced by Ben Ronke. Off-setting this, Franklin’s match-up Phil Davis for GWS was withdrawn due to an ankle complaint, replaced by Matt Buntine.
Next week, the GWS Giants host the St. Kilda Saints at GIANTS Stadium as they attempt to carry on their momentum. Meanwhile the Sydney Swans will travel north to The Gabba to play the Brisbane Lions in what could be a last ditch effort to save their season.