Swans announce claims for premiership favouritism after downing Giants in Sydney Derby

The Sydney Swans have declared themselves chief among premiership favourites, waltzing to a 29-point win over fellow contenders Greater Western Sydney in the Sydney Derby.

The Swans won every quarter after the first and pulled away from the Giants late in what was a fiery clash for both sides.

GWS midfield star Tom Green was subbed off early with an ankle injury, while teammate Callum Brown is staring at a stint on the sidelines for knocking Swan Tom McCartin to the ground.

WATCH THE INCIDENT BELOW

Brown collected McCartin with a high bump while overrunning the footy and under the MRO guidelines, looks set to miss at least two weeks.

If McCartin is concussed, he won’t play next week against Fremantle at the minimum. The 24-year-old saw his brother, Patrick, leave the game due to his own concussion woes.

A wet SCG greeted both sides for the Battle of the Bridge and it was GWS seizing the early momentum, kicking the final three goals of the opening quarter to enter the first break 15 points up.

But Adam Kingsley’s side would manage only a further five majors to Sydney’s 12 for the rest of the game as the weight of inside 50s told a story on the scoreboard.

A lopsided inside 50s count saw the Swans claim that stat by 25, also beating up the Giants around the ball in clearances (43-31) and contested footy (167-151).

Brodie Grundy played one of his best games in Sydney colours to collect 19 disposals and 35 hitouts while laying 11 tackles, while Isaac Heeney’s golden start to the year also continued.

Callan Ward and Kieren Briggs were the only Giants to win more than four clearances for the game.

Sydney could finish Round 8 first on the ladder for the first time this year courtesy of the win, should Melbourne beat Geelong at the MCG on Saturday night, with the Swans’ only loss this season coming to 16th-placed Richmond.

GWS can’t finish the weekend lower than 4th, with a defining clash against Essendon looming this weekend.