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Sunday, May 5, 2024

Giants prepare for redemption-chasing Swans in derby

Greater Western Sydney won’t let the Swans’ humiliating last-start 93-point defeat lure them into any sense of security ahead of this weekend’s Battle of the Bridges.

Geelong dealt the Swans the heaviest defeat of coach John Longmire’s 13-year tenure in a rematch of the grand final last weekend, but the Giants remain wary.

“I don’t take too much notice of that game, that’s certainly not who the Swans are,” Giants coach Adam Kingsley told reporters on Friday.

“They’ll no doubt respond this week so I plan for their best.

“I’ve seen their best often enough to know it’s high quality and that’s what we expect this week.”

The Saturday afternoon SCG derby presents the perfect chance for the Swans to atone for their crushing loss.

Veteran Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin and key defender Tom McCartin return from injury for the Swans but skipper Dane Rampe has been ruled out until early June.

The Giants will be without All-Australian key defencer Sam Taylor (hamstring) for up to eight weeks and former captain Cal Ward (suspension) for this week’s game.

But ex-Melbourne forward Toby Bedford will make his debut for the Giants after impressing in the pre-season.

“The VFL game was really strong from him – speed, run, pressure, all the things that he did in Melbourne, we’re hoping he recreates here,” Kingsley said.

Midfielder Jack Buckley may be the remedy to the Giants’ Franklin match-up, with growing doubts Franklin is the game winner he once was.

“He’s had a really strong season, Jack, and he’s got the tools to be able to compete with Buddy. He’s got great speed and competes in the aerials,” Kingsley said.

Former Giants captain Phil Davis, who was a chance to line up this week, won’t make an appearance after missing too much high-level football due to injury, Kingsley said.

The Swans won the previous two derbies in 2022.

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