Slick Swans Claim Derby Bragging Rights

Match Report

The Swans have made a statement with a resounding 29-point victory over arch-rival the GIANTS in a heated derby in wet and wild conditions at the SCG.

The Swans misfired early but overran the GIANTS as Will Hayward broke the game open with three goals in the third term to set up a 14.14 (98) to 10.9 (69) triumph on Saturday.

The high-leaping forward finished with an equal career-high four goals to light up the contest even as sparks flew between the bitter rivals. 

The GIANTS could face a double blow on top of the defeat with Callum Brown set to come under MRO scrutiny for a high bump on Swans defender Tom McCartin and Tom Green injuring an ankle.

Brown made a bright start with an early mark and goal but now faces a nervous wait after his bump on McCartin left the Swans full-back with a swollen face.

The GIANTS forward could pay a hefty price for running past the ball and bracing for the collision that had McCartin failing a head injury assessment and subbed out of the match before half-time.

Green limped from the field after teammate Finn Callaghan fell across his lower leg, the GIANTS' onball bull trying to return with his ankle strapped until subbed out in the second term.

The Swans had more concerns in defence with Lewis Melican also under an injury cloud through the second half but were able to contain the GIANTS' key forwards in the slippery conditions.

Former Swans co-captain Dane Rampe bolstered their defence in his first match since round three, adding experience and stability while gathering 24 disposals.

Errol Gulden relished the wet conditions and earned the Brett Kirk Medal as his slick kicking stood out with the hard-running midfielder collecting 29 disposals and booting a goal, while Chad Warner (28, one) also added a spark for the Swans.

Isaac Heeney continued his rich vein of form with 26 disposals including a game-high 18 contested, and booted a sublime goal late in the final term to all but seal the win.

The GIANTS settled quicker but were unable to stay with the Swans when the hosts lifted after the first change when the rain started to fall.

Josh Kelly (23 disposals) and James Peatling (24, one goal) stepped up in Green's absence but the GIANTS' midfielders needed more support, while Brent Daniels booted two goals on his return from injury.

Aaron Cadman made an early impact with a goal from outside 50m and added another later in the opening term, while Jesse Hogan (two goals) also threatened to take hold of the game. 

The crosstown rivals held each other at arm's length in the opening exchanges with both taking care with their ball movement to avoid being opened up too often on turnover.

But the Swans' midfield worked their way on top to set up four goals to none in the second term and eventually blew their rivals away.

SYDNEY                                            2.6     6.8     10.11     14.14 (98)  
GIANTS                                                5.3     5.5       8.5       10.9 (69)  

GOALS

Sydney: Hayward 4, Rowbottom 2, Warner, Papley, McLean, McDonald, Jordon, Heeney, Gulden, Amartey
GIANTS: Hogan 2, Daniels 2, Cadman 2, Brown 2, Peatling, Jones

BEST

Sydney: Heeney, Hayward, Gulden, Grundy, Rowbottom, Warner, Rampe
GIANTS: Kelly, Peatling, Daniels, Callaghan, Ward

INJURIES

Sydney: McCartin (head knock)
GIANTS: Green (ankle)

SUBSTITUTES

Sydney: Robbie Fox (replaced Tom McCartin in the second quarter)
GIANTS: Harvey Thomas (replaced Tom Green in the second quarter)

Crowd: 40,337 at the SCG