Swans hold off Giants in frenetic finish for AFLW win

Sydney have held off cross-town rivals GWS in a pulsating finish to win their AFLW derby by three points.

Two days after the Swans won through to the AFL grand final, Cynthia Hamilton laid a crucial tackle inside the last minute to help her side hold on 6.7 (43) to 6.4 (40).

Three goals were kicked in the last two frenetic minutes at Henson Reserve on Sunday, with Sydney posting their second win of the season.

"The main thing was the resilience - we showed resilience just to fight that out," said Swans coach Scott Gowans.

It is the second straight week that the Giants have been unable to secure a close win, following last week's last-gasp draw with Gold Coast.

GWS midfielder Mikayla Pauga will come under video scrutiny for a dangerous tackle in the third term that forced Montana Ham from the field.

The Sydney player passed her HIA assessment and was back on the ground for the last quarter.

Hamilton had a superb last term, kicking the first two goals to put Sydney up by 15 points after eight minutes.

But Zarlie Goldsworthy, who had to leave the field in the third quarter after being crunched in a marking contest, kicked a goal three minutes later to keep it interesting.

Goldsworthy's accurate snap in the last two minutes made it a three-point game.

An outstanding clearance by Ham at the next centre bounce found Aimee Whelan, who marked and kicked what became the match-winning goal.

With 40 seconds left, Brodee Mowbray marked and goaled to bring the Giants back to within three points.

Eilish O'Dowd tried to break clear for GWS at the final centre bounce, only for Hamilton to lay her game-saving tackle.

Hamilton won a holding-the-ball free and Sydney ran down the clock for the win.

Gowans said Hamilton had been lobbying for more midfield time.

"She really proved it today, that she's ready to take that next step with her game and I'm very proud of her," he said.

Laura Gardiner starred for the Swans with a game-high 32 possessions, while Sarah Grunden kicked her first two AFLW goals in the opening term to help spark Sydney.

Hamilton also finished with two goals, as did Goldsworthy and fellow Giant Alcia Eva.

GWS captain Bec Beeson racked up 10 clearances in her 25-possession game, which also featured 428 metres gained.

Giants coach Cam Bernasconi was left lamenting another blown opportunity and bemoaned their poor first half.

"By the end of the game, that was what cost us - our second half was terrific ... our ability to fight to the end," he said.

"Give me three-and-a-half (quarters) at the moment, I'd take that, because I reckon that would be enough for us to sing the song more.

"These game suck at the end. You overthink every little moment."