GWS Giants' Rivalry with Swans Exposed in Explosive New Docuseries
If you have ever believed the rivalry between the GWS Giants and the Sydney Swans was somehow manufactured or staged, a groundbreaking new docuseries will make you think again. No Holds Barred, an eight-part series premiering on Seven Network, offers viewers exclusive and unfiltered access into the inner sanctum of the GWS Giants football club.
Raw and Unfiltered Access
The series, which will air immediately after Seven's AFL Origin post-game coverage on Saturday, captures moments rarely seen by the public. Among the most striking scenes is co-captain Toby Greene's X-rated outburst directed at the Sydney Swans before a crucial match last year. His level of pure hatred is on full display, leaving no doubt about the authenticity of this fierce rivalry.
In footage from the docuseries, Greene addresses his team ahead of the Round 8 clash at the SCG, delivering a speech laden with expletives. "It's a good day of the year this one, because we f****** despise these c****," Greene declares. "We f****** hate them. It's going to be a f****** good day for footy here. First half, let's throw these f****** punches. We f****** despise these c****."
A Rivalry Forged Over Time
Former captain and inaugural Giant Callan Ward provided context for the intense animosity between the two clubs. He explained that the rivalry has been building over 14 years, with a significant turning point occurring in 2014 when GWS secured their first victory over the Swans.
"The first few years were a bit of pretending little brother, big brother stuff, but we never really compared with them," Ward said. "Then it got more heated when we finally won a game against them in Round 1, 2014. That game was a turning point. There have been a few big games against them, and that helps the rivalry. We love playing against them, and I'm sure it's the same for them."
Ward also noted the challenges editors faced with Greene's speech, admitting, "I think they struggled with having Toby's pre-game speech because he says a swear word every second or third word. So, trying to edit that out would have been tough."
Behind the Scenes of Elite Sport
No Holds Barred offers an exclusive look into the Giants' 2025 AFL season, featuring key players such as Toby Greene, Callan Ward, Sam Taylor, and Finn Callaghan. The series also highlights coach Adam Kingsley, including one of his fiery sprays where he tears shreds off his players during a team address.
Viewers are granted rare access to the GWS rooms, medical facilities, the interchange bench, and even the boardroom. Giants corporate affairs manager Emma German expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The docuseries is compelling, it's raw and is our way of welcoming new and existing fans into the real inner sanctum. Nowhere was off-limits - with cameras in the head coach office, medical rooms, interchange bench, board room and everywhere in between, this series offers astonishing insight into the unique world of AFL footy."
Broadcast and Streaming Details
Following the premiere episode on Saturday night on Seven, the remaining seven episodes will be available to stream free on 7plus Sport. Seven's head of AFL and innovation, Gary O'Keeffe, highlighted the growing popularity of docuseries in the AFL landscape.
"Docuseries style productions are becoming hugely popular within the AFL landscape and No Holds Barred will grant viewers raw, never before seen access into the lives of players and staff, taking us along the journey of all the highs and lows of the Giants' past season," O'Keeffe said. "We're stoked to be the exclusive platform where AFL fans can watch and stream the docuseries, in what is set to be the perfect encore to the return of AFL Origin on Seven, 7mate and 7plus Sport on Saturday, 14 February."
The series promises to deliver unprecedented transparency and depth, providing a compelling behind-the-scenes account of elite sport. It is designed to bring audiences closer to the game than ever before, showcasing the raw emotions and intense rivalries that define AFL football.
