The GWS Giants delivered a remarkable third-quarter surge to overturn a 35-point halftime deficit and defeat their cross-town rivals, the Sydney Swans, by 44 points at Engie Stadium on Friday night. This win effectively ends the Swans’ hopes of making the finals this season.
Trailing 58-93 at halftime, the Giants struck early after the break with a goal from young star Finn Callaghan, igniting a dominant run of eight consecutive goals in the third quarter. By the final change, GWS held a 23-point lead, eventually finishing with a strong 102-58 victory.
This victory marked the Giants’ first win in six derby matches and extended their winning streak to six games, moving them up to fifth place on the ladder with a 13-6 record. Meanwhile, Sydney’s loss leaves them in 10th place with a 9-10 record, struggling to secure a finals spot.
The match was marred early on by injury concerns for Sydney. Forward Hayden McLean suffered a serious head knock in the opening minute and was stretchered off, while defender Joel Hamling later left the game due to a hamstring injury. GWS veteran Josh Kelly also had to exit with a calf complaint.
Standout performances for the Giants came from Finn Callaghan and Tom Green, with captain Toby Greene leading the team’s fiery charge. Greene’s intense rivalry with Swans forward Tom Papley added extra edge to the game, including a notable halftime comment about Papley’s fitness.
Sydney’s best players included Errol Gulden, who collected 32 disposals, and Will Hayward, who kicked three consecutive goals in the first half. The Swans had a strong start and even led by 28 points at halftime after a six-goal streak, but could not maintain momentum against the Giants’ relentless second-half performance.
With the Swans now facing an uphill battle to reach the finals, GWS will look to continue their winning run as the season progresses.
