posted on February 16, 2012 14:33
Countdown to first-ever AFL Sydney derby
The Greater Western Sydney Giants and Sydney Swans joined forces at ANZ Stadium earlier this month to celebrate the countdown to the historic Round 1 contest between the two clubs.
The occasion was marked with the announcement that former Swans captain Brett Kirk would be honoured with the game’s best and fairest medal to be named after him.
The Giants and Swans will begin a new chapter in AFL history when they play the first-ever Sydney derby in the opening round of the 2012 AFL Premiership Season on Saturday 24 March at ANZ Stadium.
The game will stand alone with the rest of the competition to play out Round 1 the following weekend.
Tickets go on sale on Monday 20 February. Visit www.ticketek.com.au or call 132 849.
Of the Round 1 contest, Giants coach Kevin Sheedy said: “This is an historic match - the first AFL match played by the Giants and the first-ever Sydney derby.
“Full marks go to the AFL for scheduling it as a stand-alone match. I can’t think of a better way to start the season.
“It will be a tough first-up clash for our young team, but I’m sure they’ll learn a lot from it and I know they can’t wait.
“We have so many young players who haven’t played AFL before. But every time you step on to the football field, you have to at least believe you can win. Otherwise, you may as well not be there.”
Sydney Swans captain Adam Goodes is eagerly anticipating the first cross-city battle in his long career.
“It’s a great opportunity to kick-off the rivalry at ANZ Stadium and I hope to see a big crowd showing their support.
“No doubt, the team that wins will have derby bragging points for years to come. I’m can’t wait.”