Sydney Cricket Ground, Paddington, Sydney Australia
How time flies, it’s already the 10th Sydney v Greater Western Sydney derby or “Battle of The Bridge” and the stakes for both sides are higher than usual in this installment. The Swans will be looking to cement a top 4 spot on the AFL ladder, whilst for the GWS Giants, they will be looking to stem the damage of consecutive losses and re-establish their finals ambitions.
One player who should have a strong influence on the game is midfielder for the 2nd placed Sydney Swans in Ben McGlynn. His tough, blue collar work ethic has contributed to many a Swans victory over the years and his role will be crucial for his side in having a chance to beat their cross-town rivals.
Sydney come to this week’s game fresh off the back of a rain sodden 38 point away win over the Gold Coast Suns. McGlynn described that match as the worse conditions he’s ever played in and said that despite the hard slog against the Suns, they have enjoyed an eight day break to recover and re-focus for their match against the Giants. McGlynn had a relatively quiet game against the Suns with just 12 disposals and 1 goal assist and will be looking to make a mark on this week’s big game.
Lance Franklin was all smiles at training mid-week at the SCG. Photo: Jodie Newell
With the testing, tough winter period beckoning, McGlynn said he believes no matter what time of the season, Sydney has to be able to play winning football at any stage of the year. The winter period will be a tough road for Sydney. After the 6th placed Giants, they face a much improved Melbourne (Home) then enjoy the mid season bye, followed by games against the Western Bulldogs (Home) and Geelong (Away). The Swans then face the reigning premiers in Hawthorn at Home. This testing schedule will determine whether the Sydney Swans premiership ambitions are genuine.
Part of the furniture after just 2 AFL seasons. Isaac Heeney has become an integral part of the 2016 Sydney Swans senior team. Photo: Jodie Newell
Coming into game ten of the Sydney v GWS Giants derby, the numbers don’t look good for the Giants. Sydney have won eight out of the last nine encounters and have amassed over 1000 points during those games. The rivalry is building, yet Sydney should go into the game as favorites, despite the overall improvement of the Giants. The boys from the West are experiencing a mini-trough, with confidence levels down due to two consecutive on the road losses to top six sides in Adelaide and Geelong. Many of the footballing pundits have now bridled their predictions on the GWS Giants and how and where they will finish the 2016 season. It is Sydney that are now seen as real premiership contenders. We’ll know a little bit more about both sides 2016 fortunes come Sunday evening.
Sydney Swans coach John Longmire talks with Kieren Jack & co during mid-week training at the SCG. Photo: Jodie Newell
And finally on a very important note, both sides will be playing for the White Ribbon Cup which is presented to the winning side. The White Ribbon Cup is about raising awareness in preventing men’s violence against women. For further information on the White Ribbon organization visit: http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/
The Sydney Swans play the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Spotless Stadium (Sydney Showgrounds, Homebush) on Sunday June 12, 2016 @ 4.40 pm
