It’s not quite as big as the famous 1996 preliminary final where Tony Lockett kicked that point after the siren, nor the Swans’ 2005 semi-final against Geelong at the SCG.
But there will be a pivotal game of AFL played in Sydney this Saturday afternoon.
It’s not for a trophy, not even for a place in the finals, just the standard four competition points, but the win would be invaluable to both the GWS Giants and the Melbourne Demons.
They have managed to draw solid crowds for their ‘home’ derbies against the Swans – crowds naturally enhanced with red and white followers – and there was of course the gimmick of being part of the crowd for the first ever GWS game back in March 2012.
However, this is truly a game which any fans the club have, any of you who are even slightly considering throwing some support behind the club in the future, should made a point of heading out to Skoda Stadium on Saturday to watch.
For the first time ever – apart from those extreme optimists – if you are a GWS fan, you can go to a game in Sydney, with a genuine belief they can win.
Sure the Giants did win twice last year, but once was in Canberra, and while the other time was at Skoda, it truly was an upset. Against Melbourne, you can buy your ticket, take your seat, and know the Giants are a realistic winning chance, a rare feeling for the realists among the Giants faithful.
While the punters aren’t exactly camping overnight for tickets, I would be sincerely disappointed if the Giants didn’t manage to attract a record crowd for the match, surpassing the 11,887 who attended their first game at venue back in May 2012 against Essendon.
The club managed to get 10,783 to their last home game (also against the Bombers), and while it was expected they could be competitive, nobody really thought they would win.
They were competitive against Essendon and again against the Magpies last weekend. This is it.
The stars are aligned, they are in form, they match-up well with the Demons, let’s not forget, while they lost to the Demons in Round 4 this year, they did lead at the final change by three goals, and this match has been marked on the calendar for some time as the one they can get, and I think they will.
A Giants’ win would see the 1964 Fitzroy team hang on to their mantle as the last team to go through a season without a win, and would give Kevin Sheedy his 366th win (and possibly his last) as a coach from 631 matches.
As I said, the stars have aligned.
Everyone has said the Giants are suffering the same second season blues the Gold Coast Suns endured.
The Suns would go 21 games without a win over the 2011-12 seasons, before ending the streak with a win over Richmond.
The Giants have not won since they beat Port Adelaide last season – their losing streak is also 21 games.
The last time the Giants won, was on this same weekend, the first in August, last year.
And finally, back in the bleak old days for Sydney’s other team, the Swans, they lost 26 games in succession during 1992 and 1993, before ending the streak in front of just 8,250 at the SCG when they kicked 23 goals in a 40-point win over – you guessed it, Melbourne.
This is it, the ‘Tom Scully Cup’ is headed to western Sydney.
TomC
Roar Guru
Yeah, I'm aware of the Giants last win. I think you might need to go back and reread what you wrote.
Avatar
Roar Guru
In Round 19 last year, GWS defeated Port Adelaide - they have not won since. Round 17, 2011: Gold Coast Suns beat Richmond, and they would not win another match until this same match in Round 16 last year.
Connor
Roar Rookie
Even if we win the wooden spoon, there's next to no chance we'll take Boyd. Good luck Dees! Will be nice if we win!
TomC
Roar Guru
I don't get it. What's the significance of Port Adelaide in the Suns' second year?
Avatar
Roar Guru
I was at the Giants' two games against Geelong and Essendon this season and both had a lot of things in common: * The Giants' quarter-time score was the same (5.3 (33) if I remember correctly). They also led at quarter-time * Jeremy Cameron kicked a bag of goals. * The Giants were very competitive. Had I gone to earlier games against Adelaide and West Coast, I would have left on the half-time siren. Instead, I stayed the entire match in both Geelong and Essendon matches. * The Giants faded in the final quarter of both matches. * The crowd were loud and proud. It would also be ironic if the Giants' losing streak comes to an end this weekend, as it would mirror the horror the Suns endured in their own second year. Only difference - the Giants will be facing Melbourne this weekend, not Port Adelaide. Surely, this has got to be the best chance the Giants will ever have of winning a match this season.
marty
Guest
What is everyone on about? Melbourne will absolutely thump gws I cannot believe people think otherwise
Franko
Guest
Round 1 of this year Norwood vs Port drew a crowd of 7,560 If the weather was forecast to better and Port a little more competitive I rekon they could have eclipsed the GWS vs Melbourne crowd. As it stands, I think GWS will get there, just.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Nahh, even if we beat the Dees, we need one more win to avoid the wooden spoon.
Brian
Guest
Battle of the Boyd.
andyincanberra
Guest
I think that you're just about right with the crowd figure. Much as they are rubbished for their attendances, the Giants appear to be building a rusted-on base of support, which is exactly what they should be trying to do. I think that Jeremy Cameron's efforts against the 'Pies may also boost attendance. I'm really looking forward to what he's go in store for Saturday afternoon.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
And I think Michael's comment that the Giants are "in form" is gilding the lily a bit. Their natural talent makes them competitive for periods though most games, but their inexperience and lack of hardness makes it hard for them to keep going for all four quarters. Teams that are "in form" are generally winning games. The Giants aren't.
mds1970
Roar Guru
Last time the Giants played Melbourne, they did well for three quarters; but the last quarter was a shocker. If the Giants lead by 19 points at three-quarter time this time, they don't have to win the last quarter - but they have to defend tighter to hold onto the lead. They won't dominate an entire game - that's very rare. But during the non-dominant periods, they leak goals too quickly; like the first five minutes after half time against Collingwood last week. It's about standing their ground during their non-dominant periods. It's been a long wait for that elusive win. Here's hoping the drought can finally be broken this Saturday. I'll be there - if sufficiently inspired, I'll do a match review article for The Roar on the game.
TomC
Roar Guru
Yes, that's exactly right. I don't think the Giants are likely to be competitive for four quarters. I think they'll need to dominate periods of this game.
TomC
Roar Guru
The Giants appear to be narrow favourites for this game. I don't really understand that. Every game bar the Bulldogs where they were close late they faded badly in the last quarter. Even against the Dogs they didn't really look like winning. Is there any reason to think they'll run out the four quarters better this week than any other week?
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Its OK to lose a quarter badly, but you need to win some others by enough that you end up with your nose ahead on the scoreboard.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Yes, my guess is between 8-10,000 for the crowd figure. Good weather is forecast for the game. The Giants have been competitive in a number of games for three quarters - their goal should be to be competitive for the whole game. If they can do that, then they should come away with a win.
Franko
Guest
The crowd figure will be interesting. You're right, it should be higher because GWS may actually win a game but, Melbourne will send next to no fans. I'd say if they can match the Swans on and off the field in 93, they'd be pretty happy.