On paper, Saturday’s Sydney derby is a mismatch of epic proportions. The team boasting the stingiest defence in the AFL will clash at ANZ Stadium with the side that’s struggled more than any other to kick goals this season.
No points for guessing which tag belongs to second-placed Sydney and which adorns newcomers Greater Western Sydney.
After 13 rounds, with every side having had a bye and played 12 matches, the Giants have a league-worst 100 goals to their name.
That statistic is no big surprise – as talented as GWS forward Jeremy Cameron is, the club was always tipped to struggle with the quality and quantity of their inside-50s.
On the weekend Cameron will have to contend with Alex Johnson, Heath Grundy and Ted Richards – unassuming in a way all good defenders are, but brutally effective.
The Swans have conceded a league-best 125 goals this season, meaning on average their opponents kicked a miserly 10.4 goals a game.
Johnson, Grundy and Richards’ partnership is unique – three men who came to Sydney as forwards but quickly learned the arts of defence.
The Swans’ backline was a strong suit last season, when they ranked sixth in goals against and finished seventh on the ladder.
But under the guidance of Richards – added to the leadership group for the first time this year – they’ve lifted again.
Detractors will point to a comfortable draw, which holds more challenges in the second half of the season.
But there’s no doubting some of Sydney’s shutdown jobs.
Reigning Coleman medallist Lance Franklin, hot favourite to again win the award, was held goalless by Richards in round five.
Geelong’s Tom Hawkins likewise had his influence curbed by Grundy last Friday night.
Even in a loss to St Kilda – under five goals but heavy by Sydney’s standards – Nick Riewoldt’s two goals were handy but not match-changing.
Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker (five goals) is the only man to boast a genuine bag against the Swans this season.
Cameron and Jonathon Patton will be hoping to achieve similar feats in the second Sydney derby, but it’s hard to see complacency creeping into the minds of Richards and Grundy.
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