GWS-Sydney Swans derby a clash between heavyweights who are contenders for 2016 premiership

IF there were any question marks over the credibility of the Sydney derby, the tale of the tape dismisses them outright.

Sydney Swans Lance Franklin and GWS Giants Steve Johnson ahead of the local derby at the SCG on Saturday. Picture Gregg Porteous

IF there were any question marks over the credibility of the Sydney derby, the tale of the tape dismisses them outright.

The 10th edition of this meeting is at last a genuine heavyweight clash between two premiership contenders.

Only once in the past 20 years have the premiers not met the twin criteria of scoring more than 100 points per game and restricting the opposition to 80 points or less.

The Giants are the second- highest scoring team, averaging 107.7 points per game and conceding 80.8.

Lance Franklin and Steve Johnson will face off in the Sydney derby. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The Swans are a little down on scoring at 101.7 points per game but have the second-best defence behind the Western Bulldogs, restricting their ­opponents to 69.5 per game.

The 2005 Swans are the only exception to the rule, scoring at an average of just 86.5 points per game.

But Leo Barry, Craig Bolton and co allowed only 74.5 points per game.

This year’s Swans are a model of consistency.

They have won more quarters of football than anybody else (31), which is just one ahead of the Giants (30) in ­second place.

Driven by Shane Mumford, GWS appear to have an advantage at the clearances.

Their +6.4 a game has them ranked second compared to Sydney’s +1.1, which has them mid-table in ninth position.

Mummy’s gang also score heavily from clearances at +13.4 (first in AFL) compared to the Swans’ +10.5 (third).