The Sydney Swans return home to the SCG this Sunday to take on cross-town rivals GWS in Sydney Derby XXX.

Last weekend the Swans were beaten by Gold Coast by 38 points and the Giants were outplayed by the Western Bulldogs by 32 points, so both teams will be desperate to get back on the winning list to get their respective seasons back on track.

The Swans have had a slow start to the year amid a mounting injury list and sit 14^th on the ladder after just two wins, while the Giants are sitting firmly in the top 8 after the four wins so far.

Sam Wicks missed last weekends loss to the Suns but is a chance to return this Sunday for the Swans, while Giants vice-captain Stephen Coniglio is a test to play and could return in what would be a major boost for the visitors.

The last time these two sides met it wasn’t just one of the great Sydney derbies, but arguably the match of the season. On that occasion, in the Qualifying Final, the Swans prevailed in a classic, overrunning the Giants in the last quarter to win by 6 points. Isaac Heeney starred for the Swans with 30 disposals and three goals, while Tom Green had 30 touches for GWS.

Giants forward Harry Himmelberg says regardless of ladder positions, they are expecting a tough contest from the Swans.

"Both teams aren't playing their best footy at the moment and that will only escalate the fierceness of the rivalry and that'll be good for the game. It'll be a good watch I think," Himmelberg said.

"It's two teams that just really want to win, footy in New South Wales is going up and up and it's such a good occasion to showcase that. We're expecting the Swans' best and hopefully we can show ours as well."

First bounce on Sunday afternoon at the SCG is 1.10pm.

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.