Senior coach Dean Cox has confirmed his 22 to take on the GWS Giants in the 30th instalment of the Sydney Derby on Sunday afternoon with three changes to the side

The Swans have been boosted by the return of Sam Wicks, who has been named at half-back, after he missed last week's clash with the Gold Coast due to a minor calf strain. Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Cox says it's important to have him back against a strong Giants outfit. 

"Sam has played a really crucial role down back for us. They've got a really dynamic forward line, very dangerous," Cox shared. 

"We need to make sure he can get back to the footy he was playing."

The backline will get a further lift with tall defender Joel Hamling, as well as young midfielder Angus Sheldrick. Both enjoyed strong performances in the VFL last week.

Ben Paton will remain sidelined after he suffered a calf strain against the Gold Coast and was subbed out at halftime. Pete Ladhams and 2024 mid-season draftee Tom Hanily have been omitted for Sydney Derby XXX. 

The Swans are coming off a brutal loss to the Gold Coast Suns last Sunday after leading at the long break. Cox says last week's defence will need to be improved on to absorb the Giants' forward line.

"First of all we've got to defend the ground like our life depends on it. Against Gold Coast we were really disappointing in that area."

He added, "On top of that [GWS] are a really high-pressure team and they go fast on transition. We've got to make sure we're aware of that, but get back to what we know we can do."

The red and white will be looking to secure their 20th victory over the Giants. The Swans worked hard in the 2024 AFL season to secure two home-and-away wins, before claiming bragging rights in a six-point Qualifying Final last September. 

With both sides coming off tough losses, Sunday's derby has been slated as a must-win game for both teams. 

Swans legend Jude Bolton will present the Derby Cup to the Swans if they win, and the player deemed to be the best on the ground after the match will be awarded the Brett Kirk Medal.

Sydney hosts GWS at the SCG on Sunday at 1:10pm. The VFL side will play in a curtain closer on the SCG from 4:35pm. 

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