Sydney vs GWS Giants betting tips & top odds – AFL Finals Week 1

The Battle of the Bridge has been relocated to UTAS Stadium this Saturday as Sydney and GWS face off in the first knockout game of the 2021 AFL finals.

This Saturday’s eliminator will be the third bout between the Swans and Giants this season, with the current ledger sitting at one win apiece.

SEE ALSO: AFL FINALS WEEK 1 PREVIEW

John Longmire’s Swans held nothing back against the Suns last weekend, as Lance Franklin booted six goals in a massive 87-point victory.

The Giants were not as impressive in their round 23 battle against the Blues, but they did enough to close out the home-and-away season with a third consecutive win.

Star midfielders Callum Mills (Achilles) and Josh Kennedy (hamstring) are both a chance to return for the Swans, while GWS captain Stephen Coniglio will replace Xavier O’Halloran (calf) in the starting 22 after coming on late as the medical sub last week.

Sydney Swans vs GWS Giants elimination final preview

This season’s matches between the Swans and Giants were both thrilling contests, especially the round five clash where GWS got over the line by two points thanks to a late goal from Josh Kelly. Both sides are known for their ability to force turnovers and counter with precision, so this match will come down to who executes best under pressure.

Nick Blakey was putting together an excellent year at half-back for the Swans, but a lower-leg injury has ruled out the young star for the rest of the season. Jake Lloyd has always been an excellent accumulator for the Bloods, and we think he will take on an even more prominent role with Blakey sidelined.

SydneySwans

• Harry Cunningham
• Lewis Melican
• Dane Rampe
• Jake Lloyd
• Tom McCartin
• Justin McInerney
• Jordan Dawson
• George Hewett
• Isaac Heeney
• Will Hayward
• Hayden McLean
• Errol Gulden
• Tom Papley
• Lance Franklin
• Sam Wicks
• Tom Hickey
• Luke Parker
• James Rowbottom
• Colin O’Riordan
• Chad Warner
• Oliver Florent
• James Bell
• Sam Reid (Emg)
• Callum Sinclair (Emg)
• Braeden Campbell (Emg)
• Robbie Fox (Emg)
• Coach: John Longmire

GWSGiants

• Matt de Boer
• Jesse Hogan
• Zach Sproule
• Toby Greene
• Harry Himmelberg
• Tim Taranto
• Harry Perryman
• Stephen Coniglio
• Josh Kelly
• Lachie Whitfield
• Nick Haynes
• Lachie Ash
• Isaac Cumming
• Sam Taylor
• Jake Stein
• Shane Mumford
• Jacob Hopper
• Callan Ward
• Sam Reid
• Daniel Lloyd
• Tom Green
• Connor Idun
• Kieran Briggs (Emg)
• Tanner Bruhn (Emg)
• Phil Davis (Emg)
• Conor Stone (Emg)
• Coach: Leon Cameron

Key matchup: Dane Rampe vs Jesse Hogan

Although Dane Rampe plays undersized on a weekly basis, he is still one of the best full-backs in the competition. Jesse Hogan has enjoyed his first season of footy with GWS, averaging over two goals per game from his eight outings. Hogan kicked two goals against the Sydney Swans co-captain in round 18, but it was not enough to win the match for the Giants. If the GWS spearhead gets off the chain, he could be the difference.

Sydney vs GWS EF predictions & best bets

GWS Giants to win by 1-39 points

We are backing in the underdogs to eliminate the Swans this Saturday afternoon. Callum Mills is unlikely to be 100 percent fit as he returns from a Achilles injury, and the Giants can expose that with their excellent midfield brigade. If Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene get going and convert their chances, GWS will be hard to beat.

Jake Lloyd to get 30+ disposals

Although Jake Lloyd is averaging a couple of kicks under 30 disposals per game this season, we think the crafty backman will easily hit that mark this weekend. Lloyd has had 30 or more touches in three of his last four matches, including a season-high 36 touches last week, so the form is there for all to see.

Same game multi: 3 legs @ $9

We think the GWS Giants are the real deal and will overpower the Swans in another thrilling contest between the two Sydney rivals. Jake Lloyd is a great option to collect 30 or more disposals, while Jesse Hogan should kick multiple goals and register his first ever win over the Swans.