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Giants Dominate Swans in Derby Upset, McLean Injured Early
The greater Western Sydney Giants have ended a critically important losing streak against their cross-town rivals, the Sydney Swans, with a commanding performance at Engie Stadium. In a match marked by physicality and a crucial early injury for Sydney, the Giants secured a decisive 15.12 (102) to 8.10 (58) victory.
The intensity of the Sydney derby was evident from the outset, with Giants player Toby Greene finding himself in the umpire’s book. After an initial confrontation with Swans’ Dane Rampe, Greene later delivered a high forearm to the head of Isaac Heeney, resulting in a free kick reversal and potential scrutiny from the match review panel. Greene’s fiery demeanor continued at halftime when he made a public comment about Sydney’s Tom Papley’s perceived fitness, a statement the giants’ second-half surge seemed to validate.
Sydney’s hopes of maintaining their finals push suffered a significant blow within the opening minute of the game. Forward Hayden McLean, a key contributor to the Swans’ forward line during an injury-plagued season, was involved in a collision with Giants defender Sam Taylor.Taylor’s attempt to punch the ball away inadvertently struck McLean high, rendering him unconscious before he hit the ground. After a lengthy delay, McLean was conscious and able to be stretchered off, but was later ruled out under concussion protocols. James Jordon’s early free kick had set up the play.
The Giants, who have often been vocal in their build-up to derby clashes, opted for a more subdued approach with their pre-game banner this time around. Following a sluggish start, they unleashed a powerful second-half performance to break their five-game losing streak against the Swans. This victory serves as a significant statement for the Giants, particularly after a previous derby where a provocative banner from them backfired.
Match details:
Greater western Sydney: 1.2, 3.4, 12.7, 15.12 (102)
Sydney: 3.5, 7.8, 8.8, 8.10 (58)
Goals:
GWS: Stringer 3, Cadman 3, Bedford 2, Hogan 2, Green, Callaghan, Greene, Himmelberg, Ash
Sydney: Hayward 3, Heeney, Grundy, mills, Papley, McInerney
Best Players:
GWS: Callaghan, Whitfield, Coniglio, Taylor, Angwin, Cadman, Himmelberg
Sydney: Gulden, Grundy, Mills, Lloyd, Hayward
injuries:
GWS: Kelly (calf)
Sydney: McLean (concussion), Hamling (hamstring)
Substitutes:
GWS: Toby McMullin (replaced Josh Kelly in the fourth quarter)
Sydney: Aaron Francis (replaced Hayden McLean in the first quarter)
Attendance: TBC at Engie Stadium
