Sydney will use the crosstown derby as a pre-finals tune-up despite GWS struggling for form and already falling out of the race for the AFL’s top eight.
The Harbour City rivals have played out four gripping matches over the past 18 months, including a thrilling elimination final last year that the Giants won by a point, but the tables have turned this season.
While the Swans (12-6) have won their past three matches and are pushing for a top-four spot, the Giants (5-13) have dropped three in a row and slumped to 15th with four rounds remaining.
With the Giants set to miss the top eight for just the second time in seven seasons, the Swans are preparing for a high-pressure contest where their rivals approach the Sydney Derby like a virtual final.
“The Giants are a really quality team and the last four encounters have been really tight, so we’re going to have to be really on our game this week,” Swans co-captain Callum Mills said.
“We’re starting to put the pieces together in terms of what makes us a successful side.
“Putting pressure on the ball we think is a massive part of anyone’s game and when we do that, or any team does that, it gives them a good chance to win.”
The Swans have risen to the occasion in their biggest tests over the past two months as they beat fellow finals contenders Fremantle, Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Melbourne.
Mills expects the Swans to lift for another tough and tense contest against their heated rivals GWS on Saturday.
“We just love playing footy, no matter where it is we find it an occasion to get up for,” Mills said.
“Any chance to be able to get out there to be able to train together, we’ve got such a young group it’s really infectious with our energy.
“This week is going to be no different. There is nothing better than a rocking SCG against the crosstown rivals so we’re really looking forward to that.”
While the Swans can start preparing for finals, the Giants are already looking forward to next year while also searching for a new head coach.
It is an unusual position for a club that has triumphed in at least one final in five of the past six seasons and one the Giants have had difficulty coming to terms with.
“As a player and in a competitive sport that we do play in, finals is something that once you do get a taste of it you want it to be in every year,” Giants co-captain Stephen Coniglio said.
“For me personally and a lot of the players it has been hard adjusting over the last few weeks. Usually this time of year you’re really looking forward to September and what that could potentially bring for your football club.
“This is a bit different to a final but it is exciting.”
