GREATER Western Sydney co-captain Callan Ward believes a strong performance in Saturday's Sydney derby against the Swans at the SCG can set up his side's season.
With both teams undefeated a bumper crowd is expected in Sydney, and Ward believes the Giants can repeat their upset of the Swans in round one of last season if they can match the home side's pressure.
The former Bulldog is widely renowned as one of the competition's toughest midfielders, so it comes as no surprise that the task of taking on the powerful Swans line-up is one Ward will relish.
"I love playing the Swans. It's very contested, very tough footy, and that’s the way I like to play, and I think that’s the way we all like to play as well," Ward said.
"It's a huge game, it's a massive game for us. It's really early in the season but if we can get three good wins it can start us off for sure."
The Swans used their pressure and tackling to dominate Port Adelaide from the outset last week, while the Giants were forced to come from behind in their win over Melbourne.
Ward said if his team can't reproduce the form they showed after half-time against the Demons from the first bounce on Saturday, they have no hope of toppling the Swans.
"We've been speaking about putting four quarters together for the last three and a half years to be honest with you," Ward said.
"Match fitness is different I know, but I think running out the game on the weekend gives us plenty of confidence.
"I think it's a huge challenge for us after half-time to stay with them, but if we can be with them at half, three-quarter time, hopefully we can finish well in the last quarter."
GWS coach Leon Cameron says the Swans pride themselves on their high-pressure style of play, and it has been the backbone of their game.
The Giants have shown the same level of intensity at times in 2015, but are yet to produce it consistently in wins over St Kilda and Melbourne.
"We're obviously a young side understanding the value of defence and we've been pushing that for probably the last two and a bit years," Cameron said.
"You can't just rely on natural talent to get by, so our tackle pressure is getting better, and no doubt it has to be at it's very best against the Swans.
"It's a really good challenge for our side to step up to that mark, and we feel that we've closed the gap (on the Swans) in the last year.
"It's a good opportunity to play a top-four side, and to put all your systems in place against a side that is really well rounded and really well coached."
