The intense Harbour City rivalry headlines the latest edition of Hot Topics ahead of the Sydney Swans’ clash with GWS at Giants Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A fierce cross-city feud
The fight for Sydney supremacy is at the core of the Sydney Derby rivalry. The Swans have the edge in cross-city history having won 11 of the 17 clashes, including the first four, but the Giants have made for a stern test in recent times. In fact, the results of the 10 most recent Sydney Derby games are split five-apiece. Expect plenty of Sydney and GWS colours to fill Giants Stadium for the rivalry’s next chapter.
Four Swans eye returns
Sydney coach John Longmire has recalled four of his players for Saturday’s match. Kieren Jack will run out for his 254th AFL match, Daniel Menzel will return on the back of a four-goal blitz in the NEAFL, Oliver Florent will shrug off a hip injury to celebrate his 50th game and James Rose has been rewarded for a 36-disposal performance in the second-tier competition. Dane Rampe (eye), Colin O’Riordan (groin), Lewis Melican (omitted) and Ryley Stoddart (omitted) are the outs for the round.
Brett Kirk Medal
The player judged best afield in Sydney Derby XVIII will be awarded the esteemed Brett Kirk Medal. Brett Kirk played 241 AFL games for Sydney in the years spanning 1999-2010, and he finished his career with a premiership, All Australian honours and two Club Champion awards on his resume. Now working as a midfield coach at the Swans alongside Dean Cox, Kirk also co-captained Sydney from 2006 until he retired. Jack has claimed a record three Brett Kirk Medal honours.
Last trip to Olympic Park
Star Sydney forward Lance Franklin was unstoppable as the Swans charged to victory on their most recent visit to Olympic Park. The four-time Coleman medallist bagged five goals from 16 touches to propel the Swans to a 20-point win and clinch the Brett Kirk Medal. The Swans trailed by two goals at the final change but would pile on six last-term majors to the home side’s one to collect an 11.14 (80) to 8.12 (60) win.
