GWS Giants captain Phil Davis won’t commentate Sydney derby for Channel 7 if ruled out due to injury

Phil Davis has been an emerging star on Channel 7’s commentary this year, but the GWS Giants are unlikely to let him get behind a microphone if he’s ruled out of Saturday’s Sydney derby.

GWS co-captain Phil Davis won’t be able to swap his football boots for a microphone if he’s ruled out of Saturday night’s derby against the Swans.

The Giants star has become a shining light on Channel 7’s AFL coverage over the past two seasons and was even at the SCG providing special comments for the Sydney Swans’ last home game against Melbourne a fortnight ago, where he gave an intriguing and informed analysis on the performances of cross-town rivals Lance Franklin, Dane Rampe and Ollie Florent.

Davis is slated to provide analysis for up to three more Swans home games in Sydney this season under an arrangement with 7, who are big fans of his work.

AFL 2019: LONGMIRE WANTS CONSISTENCY FROM FORWARD REID

SYDNEY DERBY: BOTH COACHES FEELING THE HEAT AHEAD OF CLASH

AFL 2019: SYDNEY CONCEDES ITS SEASON IS ON THE LINE

However, while the Giants are supportive of Davis analysing the enemy as a side-career, they’d be hesitant to give the green light to him commentating on his own team — out of a desire to keep details of game plans in-house.

Phil Davis and Lance Franklin lock horns in the Sydney derby last year. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images.

Davis completed some gym and bike work yesterday at Giants headquarters and is likely to be given until game day to prove his fitness for another classic showdown against nemesis Franklin.

GWS say it’s too early to say whether Davis will win that race, but they will give him until the last available moment to get the swelling down after a week of around-the-clock icing.

If Davis was ruled out, hearing his thoughts on GWS taking on the Swans would make for absorbing television, but he is more likely to be in a team tracksuit working with coaches and players and providing input at the quarter-break huddles.

Current players taking commentary gigs is more commonplace in the traditional football States, but in Sydney, Davis stands out as an emerging talent, and his profile is growing by the year.

Aidan Corr is expected to get the job on Lance Franklin if Phil Davis is ruled out. Picture. Phil Hillyard.

Seven Network Head of Sport Saul Shtein praised Davis for what he’s brought to the table as a personality and analyst.

“Phil Davis has been a valuable addition to Channel 7’s football coverage over recent seasons,” Shtein said.

“We have increasingly sought to use current players on our game-day broadcasts, with the aim of giving our viewers insider access to today’s game plans and strategies, and the demands placed on players during matches.

“Phil has been outstanding in this regard.

“Phil has also been a panellist on Game Day, where his unique take on football, willingness to speak his mind and position as AFL Players’ Association vice-president make him one of the industry’s most authentic voices.”

Swans coach John Longmire said his side would prepare for the athletic Aidan Corr to mark-up on Franklin if Davis was ruled out.