IT'S HARD to believe there could be so many good matches between two clubs in such a short period of time, yet that's exactly what we've got with the Sydney Derby.

Greater Western Sydney entered the competition in 2012 and following some beltings from its crosstown powerhouse Sydney in the early days, this has turned into arguably the best modern rivalry in the competition.

ROUND 6 Get your seats to Swans v Giants

In 31 matches, Sydney has won 20, yet the Giants have won three of four finals and have a knack for winning the tight ones.

Luke Parker has won the Brett Kirk Medal a staggering five times as the best player afield, while Lance Franklin, Kieren Jack and injured Swans star Errol Gulden have won it three times apiece.

Here's a look at 10 great games between these clubs ahead of Friday night's next instalment at the SCG.

10) Round 22, 2018

Sydney 11.14 (80) d Greater Western Sydney 8.12 (60)

The second last round of the 2018 season, this match had huge implications for finals positions. Lance Franklin would kick five goals – four came after opponent Phil Davis hobbled from the field – as the Swans overcame a 12-point three-quarter time deficit to storm home. Three weeks later the Giants would have their revenge by winning an elimination final at the SCG.

9) Round five, 2021

Greater Western Sydney 9.17 (71) d Sydney 10.9 (69)

Inaccuracy almost cost the Giants, with Toby Greene (1.7) the worst offender, although his goal with three minutes remaining and then a clever stoppage goal by Josh Kelly with a minute to go proved the difference. Lance Franklin kicked five goals for the home team, but after winning their first four games to start the season, this was a surprise loss for the Swans.

8) Elimination final, 2018

Greater Western Sydney 10.19 (79) d Sydney 4.6 (30)

Any finals win is a big one and the Giants did this comfortably. After a tight beginning they kicked eight consecutive goals during the second and third quarters and not surprisingly it was Toby Greene (27 touches and three goals) that shone brightest on an overcast and drizzly day. Sydney kicked two of its four goals in the dying minutes, such was the Giants' dominance.

7) Round 20, 2019

Greater Western Sydney 12.11 (83) d Sydney 12.9 (81)

At the time, this was the closest finish in derby history. Jacob Hopper kicked three goals – still a career-high – to go with 26 disposals, as the Giants overcame a slow start to win. Isaac Heeney kicked four for Sydney, but despite having the ball in its forward half for the final minute, the Swans just couldn't get over the line.

6) Round 20, 2025 

Greater Western Sydney 15.12 (102) d Sydney 8.10 (58)

Trailing by 35 points, GWS unleashed a devastating third-quarter surge, booting nine goals to one. This explosive turnaround transformed a likely blowout result into a 44-point victory. Finn Callaghan fuelled the comeback, shrugging off a heavy tag to launch a booming goal from outside 50. Off-field, Toby Greene's sharp half-time quip about Tom Papley's fitness added personal spice to an increasingly spiteful derby narrative.

5) Round one, 2014

Greater Western Sydney 15.9 (99) d Sydney 9.13 (67)

Lance Franklin's first match as a Swan had a bit of everything. After an electrical storm halted play for 25 minutes at quarter-time, the upstart Giants got to work in a big way. An even contest most of the way, they exploded to an unlikely win with six unanswered goals in the final quarter. Adam Treloar had 34 disposals and Jeremy Cameron kicked four goals in the upset victory.

4) Round seven, 2023

Greater Western Sydney 17.5 (107) d Sydney 16.10 (106)

This match was an absolute belter. After trailing at half-time, Sydney took control with a six-goal third term to lead by 24 points early in the last. But Toby Greene had other ideas, kicking two of his four goals in the final term, including the match-winner inside the final minute, to steal victory.

3) Qualifying final, 2016

Greater Western Sydney 12.19 (91) d Sydney 7.13 (55)

The first time they met in September did not disappoint. Played in front of more than 60,000 fans at Stadium Australia, the Giants were ferocious, dominating with their physicality. Steve Johnson would miss the ensuing preliminary final through suspension for his high bump on Josh Kennedy though, while young Jeremy Cameron blew a tight game open with four goals in his first finals match. 

2) Elimination final, 2021

Greater Western Sydney 11.8 (74) d Sydney 10.13 (73)

Played in Launceston, this match had everything, and not surprisingly Toby Greene played a central role. He kicked three goals and also made contact with an umpire that would later cost him a six-week suspension. Sydney hurled everything at the Giants in the fourth quarter, kicking six consecutive behinds, but was unable to deliver the knockout punch.

1) Qualifying final, 2024 

Sydney 13.10 (88) d 12.10 (82)

The 2024 qualifying final was a powder keg. Tensions erupted at quarter-time when Toby Greene's high hit on Tom Papley sparked an all-in scuffle, setting a bruising tone. As the Giants threatened to pull away, Isaac Heeney single-handedly dragged the Swans back. His soaring speccy and ice-cold finish ignited a frantic fourth-quarter comeback, erasing a massive deficit to snatch a classic victory.