SUMMARY
With the mid-season bye approaching, both sides will be keen to cement a spot in the top four before they have a break, so this Sydney Derby looms as the most important yet. Greater Western Sydney co-captain Phil Davis and Sydney Swans star Lance Franklin will renew their long-running battle, while in the midfield, hard nuts Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio will want to gain the ascendancy over Swans stars Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker. Shane Mumford and Kurt Tippett have been two of the competition's best ruckman this season and the pair will relish the physical stuff in the centre square, so their match-up will also be one to watch for the fans. The Giants were smashed by the Swans to the tune of 89 points in round 21 last season, so they'll be keen to start evening up the ledger.
Phil Davis and Lance Franklin will be a pivotal battle this week. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Sunday June 12, 4.40pm AEST
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2016, Sydney Swans 14.9 (93) d Greater Western Sydney 10.8 (68) at the SCG
R21, 2015, Sydney Swans 20.13 (133) d Greater Western Sydney 6.8 (44) at Spotless Stadium
R3, 2015, Sydney Swans 16.15 (111) d Greater Western Sydney 12.18 (90) at the SCG
R15, 2014, Sydney Swans 15.16 (106) d Greater Western Sydney 8.12 (60) at the SCG
R1, 2014, Greater Western Sydney 15.9 (99) d Sydney Swans 9.13 (67) at Spotless Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Only 14 points separated the sides at three-quarter time in round three at the SCG, before the Swans kicked six goals to four in the final quarter to win. Lance Franklin booted four goals and Dan Hannebery starred with 31 disposals and two goals.
2. GWS is the No.1 clearance side after 11 weeks averaging 40.4 per game, in centre clearances they are fourth. In contrast the Swans are 15th for centre clearances.
3. The Swans won the first four contests between the sides before the Giants won for the first time in the opening round of 2014. The Swans have won the most recent four games.
4. The Swans are the No.1 ranked side for inside 50s averaging 59.5 per game, while the Giants are equal sixth with an average of 55.7.
5. There have been two contests between the sides at Spotless Stadium for one win each; the Giants won in 2014, but the Swans were big winners in 2015.
6. GWS midfielder Dylan Shiel is in brilliant form, he's ranked 17th in the Schick AFL Player Ratings after starting this season ranked 75th.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR… Phil Davis
The Giants co-captain is the side's most important key defender and will get the massive task of keeping Lance Franklin quiet in the derby. The pair had a fantastic duel when the two sides met in round three at the SCG, with Franklin taking the points thanks to his four goals, but Davis was also very good for GWS. If the backman can manage to limit the three-time Coleman medallist's influence, the Giants' chances of just their second ever win in a derby will be enhanced significantly.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by seven points.
