<p>The ‘Battle of the Bridge’ rivalry might not be the most storied in the history of the game, but it’s certainly one of the best in modern times.&nbsp;</p> <p>As the GWS Giants and Sydney Swans prepare to meet in the 31st installment of the Sydney derby, there’s always something at stake.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Giants are riding a serious wave of momentum, winning five games in a row. Their latest victory, a comfortable 48-point win over Essendon last Thursday, has them surging toward a top-four finish.&nbsp;</p> <p>Currently, 12-6 and in sixth place, the Giants are a game ahead of the eighth-placed Suns and one behind the third-placed Crows.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s probably an inopportune time to face the Swans when winning is crucial to maintain their position in the standings, as they are fighting hard to remain in the conversation at the season’s end.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their season is still alive, but just barely.&nbsp;</p> <p>They secured a win over North Melbourne on Saturday, largely thanks to an inspired performance from Isaac Heeney, marking their third straight victory. Additionally, the Bulldogs’ loss to Brisbane allowed them to gain some valuable ground on their rivals.&nbsp;</p> <p>Although they made progress on the ninth-placed Dogs, they still trail the eighth-placed Suns by two games. While they are doing what they must—winning—they are also hoping other results favor them to keep their finals dream alive.&nbsp;</p> <p>This context makes the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ meaningful. While it may not be a grand finals fixture like in previous years, it remains significant with both teams vying for their spots come the end of the season.&nbsp;</p> <p>One team aims to fulfill their premiership expectations set at the year's start, while the other hopes to make a late surge and sneak into the playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Swans won earlier in the year, so the Giants are undoubtedly seeking revenge on their older neighbors, especially with last year's Qualifying Final still fresh in their minds.&nbsp;</p> <p>They should be boosted by a trio of key returns — Sam Taylor and Jesse Hogan, who are poised to come back after injuries and a game management break, respectively. Midfielder Josh Kelly is also expected to return to the field.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Swans, having safely navigated their game against North Melbourne, are unlikely to make many changes to their winning formula, unless Tom McCartin passes all concussion tests and protocols.&nbsp;</p> <p>Small forwards Tom Hanily and uncapped draftee Jesse Dattoli have given coach Dean Cox something to consider after kicking seven goals between them in the VFL over the weekend.&nbsp;</p> <p>Out-of-favor midfielder Ollie Florent also made his case again with 22 touches, trying to re-enter the team.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Giants vs Suns prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs Sydney Swans Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>GWS Giants Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Connor Idun, Sam Taylor, Joe Fonti</p> <p>HB: Lachie Ash, Jack Buckley, Lachie Whitfield</p> <p>C: Josh Kelly, Finn Callaghan, Ryan Angwin&nbsp;</p> <p>HF: Toby Bedford, Aaron Cadman, Darcy Jones</p> <p>F: Jake Stringer, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene</p> <p>Foll: Kieran Briggs, Tom Green, Xavier O’Halloran</p> <p>Int: Jake Riccardi, Leek Aleer, Stephen Coniglio, Callum Brown, Toby McMullin</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Sydney Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Dane Rampe, Lewis Melican, Nick Blakey</p> <p>HB: Sam Wicks, Lewis Melican, Callum Mills</p> <p>C: Jake Lloyd, Isaac Heeney, Justin McInerney</p> <p>HF: Braeden Campbell, Jack Buller, Errol Gulden&nbsp;</p> <p>F: Will Hayward, Hayden McLean, James Jordon</p> <p>Foll: Brodie Grundy, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom</p> <p>Int: Joel Hamling, Angus Sheldrick, Riley Bice, Matt Roberts, Harry Cunningham</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs Sydney Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Swans have momentum on their side at a time when they desperately need it.</p> <p>They’ve won the past five head-to-head against the Giants and will be hoping like anything that the stranglehold they have over their little brother crosstown grows on.&nbsp;</p> <p>But this version of the Giants might be a tricky one to keep hold of. Over the past five weeks, the Giants are ranked fourth for ball movement between defensive and attacking 50 and sit second for points for.&nbsp;</p> <p>Swans stopper James Jordan will head to one of Tom Green or Finn Callaghan in an attempt to lock them down. The Giants have stopped out-and-out tagging in recent weeks, but there will be a watch on who Toby Bedford lines up next to at the first centre bounce.&nbsp;</p> <p>Giants ruck Kieran Briggs has a massive night ahead too against the in-form ruckman in the competition, Brodie Grund, who is careering towards another All-Australian call-up in a great career turnaround.&nbsp;</p> <p>We’d love the Swans to keep their charge going, but the Giants are playing some seriously good footy at the moment and are hard to overlook.</p> <p>Betting tip: <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gws-giants-v-sydney-swans-9409473">Giants</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Who better to set the tone in a home derby than the captain?&nbsp;</p> <p>Toby Greene always finds a way to rise for the big games, but has endured a lean run on games against the Swans in recent times, with his last significant haul coming in Round 21, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>After going goalless in the past two derbies, we’re backing him to score the first here.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gws-giants-v-sydney-swans-9409473">Toby Greene</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Midfield Bulls are set to lock horns and go head-to-head, but the run for the Giants starts at the back.&nbsp;</p> <p>Lachie Whitfield has continued his dominant season, winning heaps of the ball off half back with his partner in crime, his namesake, Lachie Ash.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whitfield has been consistent in his last five games against the Swans, averaging 23 touches per game, but we’re backing him to go better this week and top the charts.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/gws-giants-v-sydney-swans-9409473">Lachie Whitfield 30+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>GWS Giants vs Sydney Swans Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, July 25, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:50pm AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> ENGIE Stadium, Sydney</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>