The battle for Sydney

By Daniel McBride

Everyone knows there is a new kid on the block and the Sydney Swans are going to do their best to give a fiery, hot, red and white reception at the season opener.

It’s all due to kick off this Saturday at 4.40pm.

Andrew Demetriou, at a press conference to launch the 2013 AFL season on Wednesday, spoke about the importance of the upcoming derby,

“The Swans’ success coupled with an impressive debut from the GIANTS means Australian football in Sydney has never been stronger.”

But these two rivals in the making have clashed before, this time however the GIANTS are living up to their name with over six kilograms of combined muscle added to their young frames over their busy pre-season.

This time last year, reigning premiers Sydney, belted the baby GIANTS by 63 points and then by even more in Round 14 when they ran away to a 94 point victory.

The GIANTS will be keen to prove themselves against the reigning premiers and the team that so easily took control of Sydney last season.

But despite last year’s hidings the Swans boys aren’t taking the GIANTS lightly, according to Swans co-captain Kieren Jack.

“They are certainly a very talented team and they have shown significant improvement in the pre season, so we need to be on our game, we know that, they knocked us off in Round 1 of the pre season cup so we are looking to make amends for that,” Jack said.

Coach Kevin Sheedy even labelled the game the ‘Battle for the Bridge’, earlier this year placing emphasis on the importance of the game to the GIANTS and the growing rivalry as the two Sydney teams battle for the harbour city.

When asked about the GIANTS’ chances for a win on Saturday he answered in true, roundabout Sheedy style,

“Nobody would know what’s going to happen in this game because the first two games have been turn ups. Essendon weren’t supposed to win in Adelaide and neither was Fremantle going to beat West Coast Eagles, so you never know.”

Come Saturday, the Swans may have to watch their back. Will they have a premiership hangover? Can they go down to a young team who are another year wiser with nothing to lose?

Click here to get your tickets to this Saturday’s game when Sydney Swans take on GWS GIANTS at ANZ Stadium at 4.40pm