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GWS defender Lachie Whitfield says no matter where the two teams are on the AFL ladder, every game against local rivals Sydney is big.

The rest of the AFL season will be on hold for Lachie Whitfield for two hours on Saturday afternoon.

The GWS defender makes it clear the rivalry with Sydney is very real.

After plenty of talk around what is happening between the clubs on social media, attention turns to what counts most when the Giants host the ladder-leading Swans.

"When it comes to derbies, no matter where either team is on the ladder or the momentum, you know it's always going to be a really high-pressure, contested game," Whitfield said.

"Both teams usually bring their best performances. It will be tough, but enjoyable.

"I've felt that since the first time I've played against them, 12 years ago. You always get yourself up for the Swans, whether they're on top or we're on top.

"It doesn't matter what the season is looking like - it stops for that two-hour period."

For the record, Sydney are two games clear on top of the ladder, while GWS had a badly needed win last week at home over Port Adelaide.

The latest edition of the "Battle of the Bridge" comes as the Giants' media department continues to needle everyone, but especially Sydney, with their prolific social media content.

They played only last month, Sydney winning by 29 points at the SCG.

One of the features of that game was James Jordon impressing in a defensive forward role on Whitfield, who received the same treatment a week later from Matt Guelfi when Essendon beat the Giants.

There is little doubt who will line up on Whitfield for the centre bounce at Engie Stadium.

"It was a little bit unexpected when it happened. He definitely played really well and limited some run," Whitfield said of Jordon.

"I've been having tags throughout my career, I've been able to beat them, but sometimes you just can't and he did a good job on me. It will be another good battle on Saturday.''

Whitfield was given a sharp reminder of the game's physical risk last weekend when Ivan Soldo cannoned into him. The Port player was fined for rough conduct.

"I'm all good - it was more a bit of a shock, I didn't see it coming," Whitfield said.

"He just got me right in the centre of the body, nice and fairly. It just shook a little bit - a bit of a sore neck, but nothing other than that.

"It felt like a truck went straight through me. He's a big boy."

Whitfield said the win over Port was vital heading into such a big game against the Swans.

"If we'd lost on the weekend, everything would be pretty dire around here at the moment," he said.

"But there's definitely a good sense of optimism ... the Swans are just flying, it's always good to challenge the best and see where you're at.

"We feel like our game's on the improve and we're starting to get things right."