Summary
GWS have named an unchanged lineup to face Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Saturday.
The Giants are one of five teams with 16 points, and trail only the Western Bulldogs and Geelong in percentage.
Captain Callan Ward, who on Saturday will play his 150th AFL match, said Fremantle would be a tough opponent, despite a winless start. “They’re not playing that badly, they played pretty well last week,” he said.
Where and when
6:10pm Saturday May 7, Domain Stadium.
Forward line
GWS is the third-highest scoring side in the league with 670 points, led by Steve Johnson (16 goals), Rory Lobb (11 goals) and Toby Greene (nine goals). The Giants lineup features a large spread of goal kickers, boasting eight players averaging at least one goal per game including ex-Freo Docker Rhys Palmer, who has slotted eight majors from five starts in 2016. All-Australian forward Jeremy Cameron has returned from suspension in dangerous form with eight goals from two matches. He completes a forward setup featuring three players above 195cm in height.
Midfield
In the middle, the Giants play is characterised by run, spread and clean skills. GWS is the fourth in the league for disposals (398.3 per game) and uncontested possessions (248.5 per game), and second for disposal efficiency (75.5 per cent). Hard-bodied midfielders Dylan Shiel (28 possessions, 11 contested), Stephen Coniglio (28 possessions, 11 contested) and co-captain Callan Ward (24 possessions, 12 contested) lead the way at the stoppages, while hard-runners Tom Scully (27 possessions, 17 uncontested), Lachie Whitfield (22 possessions, 17 uncontested) and Josh Kelly (22 possessions, 15 uncontested) link play going forward. Ward said during the week that he expected Fremantle would “be out to get us”, so Freo fans can expect the Giants to fight back. GWS has 10 midfielders disposing at better than 70 per cent efficiency in 2016. Ruckman Shane Mumford - who is disposing at 89.6 per cent efficiency - has averaged 30 hit-outs and 2.5 clearances a match in 2016.
Defence
Skipper Phil Davis anchors a short Giants backline featuring a fleet of quick and skillful ball users. Davis averages 7.5 one-percenters per game. Collingwood premiership player Heath Shaw has started 2016 in sensational form with 25 possessions - including 21 kicks, eight rebound 50s and 3.5 bounces. His defensive drive is backed up well by Nathan Wilson (19 possessions at 86.7 per cent efficiency and five rebound 50s), Zac Williams (20 possessions and 86.3 per cent efficiency) and Matt Buntine (82 per cent efficiency).
Stray facts
- GWS will line up with 10 first round draft picks on Saturday, the most of any starting 22 in the AFL. Its list contains a further five first round picks and 12 academy and priority selections, including star players Jeremy Cameron and Dylan Shiel. Six of its players were drafted from WA.
- Barring an early blip in Round one against a fired-up Demons side, the Giants have been banking their ‘winnable’ games. So far GWS have accounted for top-four fancies Geelong by 13 points and dismissed triple-reigning premiers Hawthorn by 75 points. Add to that the win against Port Adelaide by 86 points and an away victory against St Kilda by 47 points, and the Giants form line looks impressive.
Ninety of Ward’s 150 matches have been with the Giants - the most recorded by GWS player since its inception in 2012. The next highest is Toby Greene with 82.
