A guide to the Swans-Giants qualifying final at the SCG

A GUIDE TO THE AFL QUALIFYING FINAL BETWEEN SYDNEY AND GWS:

* When: Saturday, 3.20pm AEST

* Where: Sydney Cricket Ground

* The form:

Sydney (home-and-away season: first, 17 wins, 6 losses): On a three-game winning streak; have lost five of their last 10.

GWS (home-and-away season: fourth, 15 wins, 8 losses): Were on a seven-game winning streak before losing to the Western Bulldogs in round 24.

* Head-to-head

Overall: Played: 28. Sydney 18 wins, 10 losses

In finals: Played: 3. Sydney 0 wins 3 losses

Last time: Round 15, 2024: Sydney 15.12 (102) bt GWS 11.9 (75) at Engie Stadium, Sydney

Last final: Elimination final, 2021: GWS 11.8 (74) bt Sydney 10.13 (73) at UTAS Stadium, Launceston

* Key players:

Isaac Heeney (Sydney). Averaging 25.4 disposals and 5.9 clearance a game, two-time All-Australian Heeney can flick the switch when needed. The early Brownlow Medal favourite before a one-match suspension ruled him out.

Jesse Hogan (GWS). Kicked 69 goals to win the Coleman Medal. Standing at 196cm with an average of 6.4 marks a game, Hogan is the go-to man for GWS and will be a big aerial threat for Sydney.

James Rowbottom (Sydney). Often an unsung hero. The crash-and-bash midfielder was crucial in Sydney’s last derby by nullifying GWS midfield bull Tom Green at the contest.

Brent Daniels (GWS). Usually stationed as a half-forward but can be injected into the midfield with impact. The No.1 man for goal assists in the league, shutting down Daniels will be crucial for the Swans.

* The stat: Sydney may enjoy a three-game winning streak going back to round 21 in 2023 over their local rivals, but they have never defeated GWS in finals. They have lost all three finals matches since meeting in an elimination final in 2016.