The GWS Giants have clinched a gripping four-point win over the Sydney Swans at the SCG on Saturday to quash any doubts over the intensity of the cross-town rivalry.
The lead shifted multiple times throughout the final stanza as the sides went toe-to-toe, but the Giants would break a three-game losing streak to the Swans in an 11.7 (73) to 9.15 (69) win.
Swans’ captain Dan Robinson led the way in Sydney’s opening-round loss, racking up a game-high 36 disposals and booting a goal late in the second quarter to keep the Swans in touch.
Fellow seniors Harry Marsh (32 disposals), Nic Newman (30) and Colin O’Riordan (29) also starred, while ruck-forward Joel Amartey and midfielder James Bell bagged two goals each.
Amartey came to the fore late in the third term when he booted two goals in the space of as many minutes, the second a soaring right-footer on the run from the 50m arc.
He led the charge for the Swans as they pegged back a 14-point half-time deficit to reduce the margin to five points at the final change.
Amartey continued to present well with strong leads inside 50m early in the final stanza, before Bell crumbed and goaled to hand Sydney the lead.
But GWS would resist the comeback as both sides ran in two goals each in the fourth term.
Ryan Griffen (30 disposals) and Aidan Bonar (29) found plenty of the Sherrin for the Giants, while Dylan Buckley collected four goals and Zac Sproule three.
The Swans are now set for a clash with the Brisbane Lions in Burpengary in Queensland next Saturday in a grand final rematch.
Greater Western Sydney 11.7.73
Sydney Swans 9.15.69
