The AFL’s bold experiment with a second Sydney team began, as expected, with a heavy loss but the Giants stood tall enough on debut to give their fans and the league cause for optimism.

Greater Western Sydney were soundly beaten by the Swans in Sydney’s first-ever derby before a healthy crowd of over 38,000 at ANZ Stadium, losing 14.16 (100) to 5.7 (37).

But the margin of 63 points could have been a lot worse for master coach Kevin Sheedy’s green side, whose 22 players comprised 17 debutants and 14 teenagers.

Bookmakers had predicted a winning margin of 90 points-plus.

The Giants did not suffer nearly as much as the Gold Coast Suns in their debut last year, when they were thrashed by 119 points by Carlton.

The Giants in particular could take heart from a solid first half.

They trailed by just 17 points at quarter time, after co-captain Callan Ward slotted home their historic first goal with his left foot from straight in front after 16 minutes.

They were still within 31 points at the main break.

It was only in the third quarter that the Swans stamped their superior class and experience, opening up a break of more than 10 goals.

The Giants’ $6 million man, star rugby league recruit Israel Folau, had a tough initiation into AFL ranks.

He grabbed one impressive mark and laid a couple of heavy tackles.

But he didn’t see much of the football and, with scant support up front, especially in the second half, was outnumbered and overshadowed by the Swans defence.