ANZ Stadium an equaliser in AFL final: GWS

There are few more friendly ‘away’ trips than the 10-minute walk in the park awaiting Greater Western Sydney in week one of the AFL finals.

Sydney negotiated an early exit from their ANZ Stadium deal earlier this year, allowing the club to play all of its 2016 home games at the SCG.

But that agreement didn’t cover finals, which are hosted by the league.

The AFL-brokered agreement last week dictated the Swans could play their finals at the SCG with the exception of a potential derby final.

It means ANZ Stadium is where the two sides will meet on Saturday week, even though Sydney won the minor premiership.

The ground is a 10-minute stroll from the Giants’ training base at Sydney Olympic Park and also their home deck Spotless Stadium.

“It’s only across the road from Spotless so it’s not too far for us … hopefully they (GWS and Sydney fans) pack it out,” GWS’s Devon Smith beamed.

“We haven’t played there for a while and a few of our boys would never have played there.

“I don’t think Sydney have played a game there this year.

“It probably brings things back to level pegging.”

The Giants beat Sydney at Spotless Stadium in round 12 this year by 42 points, while the Swans recorded a 25-point win over GWS at the SCG in round three.

Smith was full of respect for the Swans, who topped the ladder after a stellar campaign that featured only five losses.

“They’ve been in great form and they’re a great team,” he said.

“One of their strengths is their contested footy. They’ve got about four or five big bulls (in the midfield).

“But in saying that our best is as good as anyone’s, so bring it on.”

The 23-year-old made it clear that confidence wouldn’t be an issue for GWS in their maiden finals campaign.

“We’re ready, we can’t wait,” Smith said.

“With such a young and exciting group we are going to take the game on, it’s one of our biggest strengths.

“We’ve got a lot of confident young boys and we’re really looking forward to it.

“Who knows how far we can go.”

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