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The Greater Western Sydney Giants could jump off the bottom of the AFL ladder with a win against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:40pm AEST.
It looks like the race for the wooden spoon is down to three, with two of those teams meeting tonight.
Suddenly what seemed like a non-event two weeks ago has become an intriguing encounter, with both sides running into some form.
While the Giants haven’t won a game during that time, close losses to Hawthorn and Essendon prove they can put a consistent performances together. Number two draft pick Josh Kelly could be a likely inclusion for the Giants after gathering 43 touches, 11 marks and four goals in the NEAFL last week.
Tom Bugg, Mark Whiley and Jono O’Rourke also played well in the 104-point demolition of NT Thunder, while Tom Boyd kicked four goals in another promising outing. But he may need to bide his time a little longer following the impressive debut of 206cm forward/ruckman Rory Lobb against Essendon.
Meanwhile, the Lions are making big strides under new coach Justin Leppitsch. The side is starting to show pace it might not have in previous years and back-to-back wins have provided the Lions fans with something to cheer about.
Ash McGrath made a strong return from his long-term calf injury in the reserves, but is likely to need another game or two of match fitness before coming back in. If the Lions are looking for a little more run, Nick Robertson and Tom Cutler could come into the frame, while Ryan Lester is a chance if Leppitsch thinks the Lions need one more inside ball winner.
Three quick facts:
1. The Lions have pummelled the Giants in their only two encounters, kicking 37 goals to 14 and winning by a combined 152 points.
2. No team has taken less marks inside 50 this season than the Lions’ 6.7 a game, although the Giants have been only slightly better at 8.9 a game.
3. The Giants continue to be an impressive clearance team in 2014, ranked second behind only Hawthorn, averaging 41.5 a game. The Lions are 14th with just 37.7 a game.
Prediction
This game is going to be a cracking affair and I’m having trouble splitting the pair, but I’ve tipped the Giants in a tight one.
Giants by 5.
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