The Sydney Swans have romped back into form, thumping arch-rivals GWS 139-88 in the 33rd edition of the Sydney Derby at Engie Stadium.

Saturday’s win extends Sydney’s recent dominance over the Giants, with the Swans now having won nine of the last 11 cross-town encounters, including a 41-point win at the SCG earlier this year.

It took just 30 seconds for the Swans to kick the opening goal through Braeden Campbell before piling on the next four unanswered, kickstarting a scoring barrage that saw them lead at every break.

Sydney maintained control of the game’s momentum, recording more clearances, inside 50s and contested possessions from the outset while ensuring the Giants did not register consecutive goals until late in the third term.

“We got back to playing the brand we wanted to play,” coach Dean Cox said post-game.

“We got to the positions we needed to get to, we scored efficiently when we were inside 50 [and] throughout that period we were able to defend really strongly.

“Our ability to restrict scores was high, especially in the first half.”

GWS coach Adam Kingsley expressed frustration with his side’s lacklustre start.

“I was surprised and disappointed. Sydney got some scores and we weren’t able to respond and minimise the damage.

“You don’t want to let two goals turn into five or six or seven. At this point in time, we’re not good enough in that space.”

Kingsley also lamented the Giants’ growing inconsistency.

“You don’t see the fluctuations in the best teams like you see with us this year.”

Swans midfielder Errol Gulden claimed his fourth Kirk-Ward medal, collecting 41 disposals and a career-best 1,047 metres gained to be adjudged best-on-ground.

“It’s just great the time that he spends on his game and the influence he can have,” said Cox.

Teammate Chad Warner stamped similar authority on the game, gathering 32 disposals that included a slick left-foot goal to open the second quarter.

“Some of his clearance and run-and-carry work was as good as I’ve seen,” Cox praised.

Isaac Heeney (25 disposals, 1 goal), Brodie Grundy (23 disposals, 1 goal), and James Rowbottom (23 disposals, 2 goals) were also instrumental in the 51-point victory.

Prized recruit Charlie Curnow bounced back from a goalless outing last week to boot four majors, boosting his lead atop the Coleman Medal leaderboard by three goals.

Many of the Giants’ best struggled to get going, save for midfield bull Clayton Oliver who finished the day with 29 disposals and a goal, continuing an impressive first year in orange and charcoal.

Despite finishing with 21 possessions, last year’s Kirk-Ward medallist Finn Callaghan made little impact, being shut out of the game by a James Jordon tag before hobbling off injured in the final quarter.

“It looked like he rolled his ankle, but I haven’t spoken to our medicos yet, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed,” said Kingsley.

The result puts Sydney two points clear in outright second with a record of 14-5 while GWS slip to 8-11, a game outside the top ten in 12th.

Main image of Sydney Swans supporters by Wikimedia