The Sydney Swans will launch their 2022 campaign by adding another chapter to their fierce rivalry against the GIANTS, with the AFL locking in a Round 1 Derby at Accor Stadium (previously known as Stadium Australia) at Homebush.
It will be a GIANTS home game and will be played on Saturday March 19, 2022 at 5.10pm (AEDT).
GWS GIANTS vs. Sydney Swans
Saturday, March 19
Accor Stadium
5:10pm AEDT
Sydney Derby XXIII will be the first meeting between the two sides since the Swans agonising 1-point loss in the 2021 Elimination Final, and key forward Will Hayward says he’s eager to avenge the loss.
“It was a devastating way to end the year but to have the opportunity to play them again Round 1 is something we are really excited about,” Hayward said.
“It dwelled in my head a bit particularly through the Finals when the footy was still on, there was a lot of ‘what if’ thinking. We’ve got a point to prove. It’s something that would have dwelled in a lot of the boys minds over the off-season and it’s about using that as fuel to come back bigger and better and that’s we’ll hopefully show in Round 1.”
“Ever since I have been at the Swans each year the rivalry gets a bit more fierce and we’re making our own history. Each year there might be something new to make you hungrier to beat them the next time so I’m really looking forward to it.”
The two rivals have not gone head-to-head at Accor Stadium in over six years, their last meeting drawing in a record crowd of 60,222 for the 2016 Qualifying Final. It was also the meeting point for the first ever Sydney Derby in 2012, which coincidentally was also in Round 1, the Swans victorious on that occasion by 63 points.
With the Covid-impacted 2020 and 2021 seasons both forcing games to be played in front of empty stadiums and limited opportunities to play in front of Sydney crowds, Hayward revealed he and the team are looking forward to playing in front of the Sydney members and fans again.
“I can’t wait. It’s been a long time since we played in Sydney with fans, we’ve missed them and hopefully we can put on a show for them.”
Special member arrangements will be communicated soon.
The AFL will release the full fixture for the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season in the coming week.
