‘A bit more spice’: Why this could be the biggest Sydney Derby yet

With both teams in red-hot form and on winning streaks, there’s no reason why this Saturday’s Sydney Derby won’t be one of the biggest ever between the Giants and Swans.

The Giants and Swans will do battle for the Lifeline Cup on Saturday night. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The 26th edition of the Sydney Derby is set to be one of the most explosive yet when the Giants and Swans do battle on Saturday night.

Both teams are building for the run home on the back of winning streaks – GWS with a club-record seven victories in a row – and are trying to continue that momentum as they push for a spot in the top eight.

However, it’s clear that for the Giants it’s one of their most important matches of the season with Stephen Coniglio admitting it’s a game he pencils into his diary early in the year.

“For Sydney, and if you love the AFL, it’s one everyone loves to watch,” Coniglio said.

“We both started the year slowly and we’re coming into the game with lots of aspirations about what’s to come for the rest of the year.

“When you go through these runs you can’t wait for the next game.

“We both know the importance of this game and [we are] looking forward to another wonderful spectacle on Saturday night.”

It was all smiles on Wednesday as Coniglio and Parker spoke about the importance of the Derby. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Swans co-captain Luke Parker attempted to pour some cold water on the importance of the rivalry but accepted that the clashes usually get a little more fiery than others.

“We look at every game as important, especially this time of the year,” Parker said.

“There is always potentially a little bit more spice in the game.

“They’re just a good side and you like to compete against the best. They’ve got some gun midfielders, and when you play the best teams, it brings out the best in you.

“They’re playing some good football and that’s where the excitement is coming from this weekend.”

The Swans were on the wrong end of the result earlier this season after Giants captain Toby Greene kicked a match-winning goal in the final minute at the SCG.

The Giants came away with a one-point win at the SCG in round seven. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Parker knows it’s one of a handful of games Sydney should have wrapped up earlier this year. But it won’t be revenge that acts as motivation on Saturday.

“I think knowing what it’s going to take to make this year successful for the remaining four games is what motivates us,” Parker said.

“We look back on that game and that was one of those couple where we thought we really had that game done. Credit to the Giants, they came back in that last quarter and were incredible.

“Every game now is your season on the line, and that’s from fifth down to 15th. We know how tight it is in the ladder positions at the moment.

“It doesn’t take much to pop yourself into finals, doesn’t take much to pop yourself out of it.”

A crowd of close to 20,000 people is expected at Giants Stadium which would comfortably double any of their previous attendances this season.

The Sydney Derby in 2018 was the last AFL match to get more than 20,000 at Giants Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/Brendon Thorne

Only four GWS games at the venue have ever passed the 20,000 mark, the most recent in 2018, and Coniglio knows that it will create an incredible atmosphere for a game where so much is at stake.

“I do remember a couple of years ago when we were both up and firing, this stadium gets really loud,” Coniglio said. “Hopefully lots of orange and a little bit of red and white.”

“Both teams are fighting for finals spots, and we know we’ve got a big Swans fan base here,” Parker added. “They’ll be guaranteed to come out west to the game.

“When the stadium is packed and the atmosphere is rocking, it’s a great place to play.”

Originally published as ‘A bit more spice’: Why this could be the biggest Sydney Derby yet