GWS looking for more Sydney AFL derby joy

GWS vice-captain Stephen Coniglio regards the first Sydney AFL finals derby as one of his club's greatest wins as they prepare to contest another finals game.

Stephen Coniglio of the Giants .

Stephen Coniglio has good memories of the Giants' 2016 derby thumping of rivals Sydney Swans. (AAP)

GWS vice-captain Stephen Coniglio rates his club's only previous AFL finals match against local rivals Sydney as one of the greatest wins and memories in their short history.

The two teams will clash on Saturday week, but unlike 2016, there will be no second chance for the loser.

Two years ago, Greater Western Sydney thumped the Swans by 36 points in a qualifying final in 2016 at ANZ Stadium.

However, GWS then lost a preliminary final, while Sydney rallied to win two games and reach the grand final, where they were beaten by the Western Bulldogs, who ended the Giants' campaign a week earlier.

But it was the qualifying final win in front of a record Sydney AFL derby crowd of 60,222 which is fondly remembered by Coniglio.

It was the Giants' first finals match in their fifth season and they had lost eight of their previous ten derbies.

The Swans led by just one and two points at quarter and half time respectively, but GWS kicked seven goals to two in the second half.

Giants spearhead Jeremy Cameron booted 4.4, while Swans' superstar Lance Franklin was held goalless for the first time in 18 finals matches.

GWS kept Sydney to 55 points and seven goals, the Swans' lowest totals in those categories in matches between the two rivals.

"It features definitely in the top two or three wins for this club and special moments at this footy club," Coniglio said.

"Being our first proper final as well against the Swans, it was just an incredible day."

The looming elimination final comes just three weeks after the teams last met, the shortest gap ever between Sydney derbies.

The Swans have won their last three clashes, though as gritty midfielder Coniglio cheekily pointed out "we've never lost to them in a final."


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Source: AAP


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