SUMMARY
This is surely the most important Sydney derby since the first meeting between the Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney. Both sides are undefeated, and the competition's newest club will be hell-bent on upstaging the Swans, who will be on the SCG for the first time this season. The Giants' tackling ferocity turned their match against the Demons in Canberra last week, and while the Swans looked shaky in round one, they bounced back to their best against Port on the road. With bragging rights on offer, this one should draw a bumper crowd.
WHERE AND WHEN: SCG, Saturday April 18, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2014, Sydney Swans 15.16 (106) d GWS 8.12 (60) at the SCG
R1, 2014, GWS 15.9 (99) d Sydney Swans 9.13 (67) at Spotless Stadium
R16, 2013, Sydney Swans 24.27 (171) d GWS 5.12 (42) at the SCG
R1, 2013, Sydney Swans 16.10 (106) d GWS 11.10 (76) at ANZ Stadium
R14, 2012, Sydney Swans 14.16 (100) d GWS 5.7 (37) at ANZ Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Shane Mumford starred against his former team, earning the three Brownlow votes in the Giants' upset win over the Swans in round one, 2014. Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton kicked seven goals between them. In round 15 at the SCG, Lance Franklin kicked five goals in the swans win and Josh Kennedy was best on ground with 29 possessions and two goals.
2. The Swans have been the number one contested possession side in the first two weeks, averaging 161 per game, while GWS has struggled in this area, ranked 14th with 129.5 per game.
3. There haven't been too many close contests between the sides; the average margin is 66 points. The Swans' average score is 113 points and the Giants' just 58.
4. The Swans have an impressive record at the SCG, winning seven of eight games last season. They've won 14 of 17 since the start of 2013. The Giants have played twice at the SCG for two losses by a combined 175 points.
5. Despite being 2-0 this season, the Swans have struggled to mark the ball inside 50, with only eight in total so far. The Giants have been impressive in this area with a total of 19 at 9.5 per game.
6. Giants midfielder Ryan Griffen is the highest ranked player at seventh on the list, with Swans Lance Franklin (8) and teammate Josh Kennedy (10) also inside the top ten.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Adam Goodes. The champ started as the sub against Port Adelaide last week, and given Swans coach John Longmire said he'd picked his best side, the dual Brownlow medallist could be in trouble. The Swans have never been afraid to upset one of their favourite sons – just ask Ryan O'Keefe – so it looks like Goodes faces a battle to keep his spot. With the team wanting all 22 players to be tackling machines, the veteran might be considered a weak link. Goodes doesn't need to be a star, he just needs to show he can compete and play a role.
PREDICTION: Sydney Swans by seven points
