Callum Brown speaks ahead of the Sydney Derby

The Swans look unstoppable in season 2024. But one Giants forward reckons that if there’s going to be a team that beats Sydney, it might just be the Orange Tsunami.

Callum Brown was back to his best in the Giants’ scrappy win over Port Adelaide with two goals. Picture: Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

The Giants are confident they can be the club that finally puts an end to the Swans’ winning-streak following a much-needed win over Port Adelaide.

GWS scrapped their way to a gritty, but important, 22-point victory with inaccuracy the feature of the day. But heading into the match, they knew that this next fortnight could define their season.

It’s a rare occasion where the Giants play two consecutive games at ENGIE Stadium, both against top-four rivals.

They have confidence on their side after ticking off the first challenge, but they’re under no illusion that Sydney is the team to beat in 2024.

“I was saying to the others, if there’s a team that’s going to beat Sydney, it’s always a close game in the Derby, but it can be us,” Callum Brown said.

“We’ll build up towards this game and take it head on against them.”

Brown believes the Giants can take plenty of confidence into the Sydney Derby. Picture: Brendon Thorne/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“Absolutely, we’ve got a strong belief that if we play our brand of football for four quarters, it does stack up against the best,” Josh Kelly added.

“Right now, it’s pretty clear Sydney are the best. Offensively and defensively I think they’re leading most categories.

“So it’s a good opportunity for us to go out there and test ourselves out.”

In the reverse fixture, the Swans came away with a dominant 29-point victory at the SCG against a Giants side struggling with their ball movements and missing some of their key midfield generals.

But with a number of stars returning, and some form back on their side, they know that six weeks can be a long time in footy. And no one knows that better than Brown.

The 23-year-old helped get the Giants back on track against Port Adelaide with their first two goals of the game. It was a much-needed boost for the Irishman following the toughest period of his career to date.

Hit with a three-match ban following a high bump on the Swans’ Tom McCartin, Brown spent a month on the sidelines without getting to play a match.

He returned a fortnight ago against Hawthorn, only to be subbed out of the game in the second half after picking up just two disposals.

The dynamic forward was hit with a three-week ban for his bump on Tom McCartin. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“Off the back of last week, missing a month of footy and then not having an impact and being subbed out, it hurts mentally,” Brown said.

“It’s weeks of getting smacked in training. It’s a bit of a second pre-season for the four weeks I was out.

“But at the same time, I knew coming back that everyone had the confidence in me just to play my role again and come in and get the job done.

“It’s also going to help at the back end of the year. And that’s when finals footy is. You can keep the head up until then and finish the job at the end of the year.”

Brown’s lengthy suspension could be considered unlucky given the mitigating circumstances surrounding the collision with McCartin. However, his first priority after the last Derby was to reach out to the Sydney defender to make sure he was okay.

A solid block of just training has Brown primed to attack the second-half of the year with intensity. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I sent him a message just to see how he was and he said he was fine,” Brown said.

“He knew I had no intent, it’s not the player I am.

“It’s the first bad incident I’ve had since coming across here. I’ll never intentionally try to bump someone. But when you’re going at that speed, it’s very hard to stop so the only thing you can do is brace, it’s just unfortunate I copped it.”

The Giants’ forward line clearly poses a different threat with Brown back into the team.

While Jesse Hogan and Jake Riccardi have been strong marking targets in recent weeks, Aaron Cadman has struggled at times to consistently have an impact as that third key forward. It has also meant Hogan and Riccardi have had to spend more time up the ground to help their attacking structure.

Brown’s athleticism is one of his best weapons, but his role also frees up space for his teammates to thrive and sit deeper inside 50. For a player still so new to the game, it’s clear that his influence is integral to GWS’ plans in the back end of the season.

The Giants’ forward line looks more potent with Brown back in the mix. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“I know if the ball comes my way, I’m either going to bring it to ground or take the mark,” Brown said.

“The team love kicking me the ball because they have the confidence in me to do that for the team. It’s good being another player who can impact in that way.

“It’s great signs that we’re getting more inside 50s. From the back end to the mids, everyone’s doing their job.”

“Last week he was a bit rusty, he hadn’t played for a month,” Kingsley added on Brown.

“That can be hard in his situation. He hasn’t played a lot of games and he hasn’t grown up playing it.

“It was pleasing for him to come out and really perform. I thought he contributed strongly, he was good in the contest and his defence … created his first goal. I was really happy with him.”

Originally published as Callum Brown speaks ahead of the Sydney Derby