Sydney vs Greater Western Sydney AFL Community Series Preview 2026

James Smith

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Last updated: Wed 25 Feb 2026 10:42

James Smith 25 Feb 2026

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Sydney vs Greater Western Sydney Preview
Sydney welcomes back Tom Papley and Charlie Curnow, boosting attack and focus on defensive structure.
Greater Western Sydney strengthens midfield depth with Toby Greene's return and aims for improved intercept defense.
Both teams prioritize role clarity and fluency over results ahead of the Opening Round.

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Sydney vs Greater Western Sydney (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Sydney vs Greater Western Sydney Preview

The Sydney Derby headlines Thursday’s Community Series action, with both sides welcoming back key names ahead of Opening Round.

Sydney vs Greater Western Sydney Preview
Sydney
Sydney Squad
Greater Western Sydney
Greater Western Sydney Squad

Sydney regain Tom Papley earlier than expected, while the Giants recover several senior players following Origin duty. It is the final hit out before the real stuff begins, and both clubs will be looking for fluency rather than scoreboard pressure.

Sydney

Sydney enter 2026 expecting a significant rebound. Injuries and disruption hurt continuity last season, but the list now looks far more settled heading into Round One.

The addition of Charlie Curnow gives them a genuine focal point inside 50, something they lacked when Logan McDonald was sidelined. Tom Papley’s early return is another positive, adding pressure and forward spark.

The midfield group of Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner remains the heartbeat of the side, and building connection with Curnow will be a priority.

Defensive organisation will also be under the microscope after conceding too many easy scores in transition last year. This match is about sharpening structure and building chemistry rather than chasing a result.

Sydney Squad

B: L.Melican, T.McCartin, D.Rampe

HB: C.Mills - C, N.Blakey, S.Wicks

C: J.Jordon, Ch.Warner, M.Roberts

HF: Co.Warner, B.Campbell, M.Rosas

F: L.McDonald, C.Curnow, T.Papley

Foll: B.Grundy, I.Heeney, E.Gulden

I/C: R.Bice, J.Serong, A.Sheldrick, J.McInerney, P.Ladhams, J.Rowbottom, H.McLean, J.Amartey

Emerg: C.Cleary, J.Hamling, H.Kyle, W.Green

Notable absentees: Taylor Adams, Harry Cunningham, Jesse Dattoli, Jake Lloyd

Greater Western Sydney

Greater Western Sydney remain firmly in the contender bracket, but injuries have shaped their preparation.

The return of Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Lachie Ash and Stephen Coniglio significantly strengthens their core and gives the Giants far more balance than they had during match simulation. Aaron Cadman’s continued development is another storyline to watch after an encouraging 2025.

The Giants’ midfield depth will again define their ceiling, particularly once Tom Green and Finn Callaghan are fully integrated.

Defensively, they will look to re-establish their intercept game, which has been a trademark in recent seasons. This outing is about conditioning, role clarity and ensuring their best players are ready for Opening Round intensity.