the western weekender » Friday, December 10, 2021
SPORT PANTHERS ON THE MOVE Koroisau and May find new clubs. p54
Will Hayward and Jacob Hopper at Accor Stadium. Photo: Phil Hillyard.
Giant showdown awaits NATHAN TAYLOR
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or the first time in six years, the GWS Giants will host crosstown rivals the Sydney Swans in a blockbuster Round 1 clash at Accor Stadium (formerly ANZ Stadium) for Sydney Derby XXIII to open the 2022 AFL Premiership season. After defeating the Swans by just one point in a thrilling Elimination Final in Launceston last time they met, the Giants are looking forward to facing off against the Swans in front of their home fans for
the first time with no restrictions since 2019 – more than 924 days between games. A record-breaking 60,222 fans packed out Accor Stadium the last time the two teams played at the venue in 2016, the highest ever attendance between the two Sydney clubs, and the Giants’ inaugural Finals win. Giants midfielder Jacob Hopper said he’s looking forward to welcoming the Swans back to the west for the Round 1 showdown. “We’re super excited,” he said. “The last time I played at Accor Stadium
was in that first final back in 2016, so it will be awesome to get back out there against a team we have such a great rivalry with. “We often play really exciting games against each other and it’s always a great crowd with plenty of members and plenty of fans and supporters. We get super pumped for it, and I think we play some of our best footy against each other. “It’s a special rivalry between our two clubs. We feel like we’re creating history every time we step out on the field for a Sydney Derby, us still being pretty new and the Swans having that deep history.
“We both love playing against each other and I think that shows, so we’re pumped to be facing off against the Swans straight off the cuff.” The opening round kicks off on Wednesday, March 16, with the Giants and Swans opening their campaign at 5.10pm on Saturday, March 19 in what is set to be a blockbuster start to the 2022 season. The remainder of the AFL fixture was expected to be released this week. You can see the full 2022 draw by visiting www.gwsgiants.com.au or www.afl.com. au.
OFFICIAL PARTNER WW46519
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