Cross-town rivals the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS have come together to support local as the highly-anticipated NAB AFLW Sydney Derby IV descends on the Inner West’s Henson Park this Sunday (September 21).
Embracing the Inner West ethos of supporting local, players from the Swans and GIANTS took over Angus Marrickville in a special collaboration with the local cult-favourite café.
The café was transformed into a celebration of AFLW with the AFLW Premiership Cup also on hand as players gave away free coffees and tickets to this weekend’s Sydney Derby.
The rivalry between the Swans and GIANTS is considered one of the most hostile in the competition, but today the clubs set their differences aside to join forces and encourage fans and locals to support this weekend’s derby to unlock the future growth of the league.
Sydney Swans midfielder Laura Gardiner said: “We’d love to see a huge turnout at Henson Park on Sunday – the Sydney Derby is always a big game.
“We go hard on the field but off it, we all want the same thing. If we can get the average attendance up to 6,000 it helps us get a longer season, which would be awesome.
“Henson Park is such a great ground with such a good vibe, and we’re keen to put on a show this weekend.”
GWS GIANTS forward Georgia Garnett, who will celebrate her 50th AFLW game on Sunday, said: “The derby is a game we’ll always circle on the fixture as soon as it’s released so we’re revving to go for Sunday and can’t wait to get out there.
“Henson Park is one of the best places to both play and watch AFLW so I’m excited to run out there in front of a packed hill, and for it to be my 50th AFLW game for the GIANTS is a really exciting achievement as well.”
As part of the collaboration, a special sandwich was also curated by Angus Marrickville in honour of the Sydney Derby, co-designed by self-proclaimed foodies and Irish recruits, Paris McCarthy (Swans) and Grace Kos (GIANTS).
The specially crafted sandwich features tender BBQ poached chicken with cheese, tomato, butter lettuce, aioli and a fermented chilli, pineapple and olive relish, served on homemade focaccia.
The AFLW Sydney Derby sandwich will be a special menu item available at Angus Marrickville every day in the lead-up to the derby, with tickets to the game given away with every purchase.
The AFLW Sydney Derby IV is the first cross-town clash to be played at Henson Park since the historic ground underwent a significant, multi-million dollar redevelopment designed to elevate the gameday experience for players, officials and fans and see Henson Park considered one of the country’s gold-standard AFLW venues.
Stage 1 of the Henson Park redevelopment is now complete, ushering in purpose-built changerooms, a gym, community spaces and an extension of the historic King George V Memorial Grandstand.
Stage 2 – due to be ready ahead of the 2026 community football season – will include broadcast facilities, coaches boxes, a canteen and new public amenities.
The AFL has invested heavily in the redevelopment and managed the construction of the facility upgrades, which has also been funded by the federal and state governments, as well as the Inner West Council.
The investment into the upgrade of Henson Park reinforces the AFL’s commitment to grow Australian football in New South Wales and ensures not only an outstanding venue for AFLW matches, but for community football too.
Over 50,000 fans have poured through the gates at Henson Park since the ground hosted its first AFLW game in 2022, while 200 local footballers utilise the facilities each week.
Sunday’s highly-anticipated derby is one of several AFLW games to be played at Henson Park during the home and away season, including Pride Round to held over Rounds 9 and 10 in the coming weeks.
With sunshine forecast for Sunday’s game, it’s set to be a blockbuster day at Henson Park for the AFLW Sydney Derby. Off the field, All-Australian Defender Brenna Tarrant’s match worn boots that will be raffled off, while fans can also collect a limited-edition Cynthia Hamilton keyring at the Fan Zone. Read more about this Sunday’s match day offering here.
The AFLW is one of the most accessible and affordable, elite sports entertainment offering in Australia, with adult tickets to all AFLW matches $15 and under 18s free.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit afl.com.au/aflw.