Ranking the top 10 Sydney Derby matches

The battle of the bridge has delivered many exciting matches during a short timespan, but where do they rank?

STAFF WRITER | April 17, 2026 - 6:35am

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After entering the competition in 2012, it would take some years of embarrassment before Greater Western Sydney would compete and challenge the Swans' dominance over them to establish one of the best rivalries in the league.

The Swans hold the bragging rights after winning 20 out of the 31 matches between the two Sydney clubs, while Luke Parker has won the most Brett Kirk medals with five.

Here's my ranking of the 10 most exciting games between the clubs in the lead-up to their 32^nd meeting this Friday at the SCG.

1Qualifying Final, 2024

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Isaac Heeney of the Swans celebrates kicking a goal during the round eight AFL match between Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants at SCG, on May 04, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Sydney 13.10 (88) defeated Greater Western Sydney 12.10 (82)

Emotions were tested on one of the biggest stages in footy, with stars Toby Greene and Tom Papley having an early scuffle that ignited a game of high tension. The Giants were close to snatching the win, but the late-game heroics by Isaac Heeney pushed them over the line with a speccy over Jack Buckley and a goal from centre square fueling the Swans' resurgence as they came back from being 20-points down to secure a spot in a preliminary final.