GIANTS eye Derby after big win

Kevin Sheedy could barely contain his excitement after his Greater Western Sydney side demonstrated its rapid improvement 12 months after first entering the AFL competition.

Carlton kicked the final three goals of the first NAB Cup game at Blacktown International Sportspark to pip the Giants by two points, before GWS comfortably knocked off the Sydney Swans by four goals.

GWS will meet the reigning premiers again in round one of the competition and Sheedy was unabashed in his enthusiasm about the steps his young side is making.

“I think the Giants and the Swans are going to have a pretty good game at ANZ Stadium coming up,” Sheedy said.

“It’s a game that’s actually going to change the state of football in NSW for sure because what our players are starting to feel is we’re not that far away really from any of the sides.

“We’ve got a bit of a way to go, but the growth of this team over the summer has been enormous.

“I’ve been around football a long time and seen the great Richmond sides play and obviously coached the great Bombers sides.

“Get on early because this is going to be an absolutely magnificent team.

“We were very competitive tonight and we should’ve won the two games.”

Sheedy’s side faces the Brisbane Lions in Wagga next week and the veteran coach is hoping his side can make some noise in the NAB Cup.

“We’re still in the competition and if we can work through and get into a finals series, we’ll be really pleased,” he said.

Click here to get your tickets for the third Sydney Derby as the GIANTS and Swans play for the White Ribbon Trophy on March 30.