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While fellow AFL expansion team Gold Coast have slid into the abyss, Greater Western Sydney have got themselves into very good shape.
Their dismissive dismantling of the Suns on the weekend has placed them second on the ladder with a 3-1 record and a very favourable draw over the coming six rounds.
Should they maintain their current form they easily could own a 7-3 record after 10 rounds, putting them in prime position to make their first appearance in September.
This weekend they play the injury-ravaged West Coast in Perth, followed by Hawthorn (at home), Carlton (away), Adelaide (home), Western Bulldogs (away) and Brisbane (home). While they do not yet look ready to take down the mighty Hawks, even in Sydney, their other five games are very winnable.
Shortening the focus back to this coming round, the Giants are well placed to beat the Eagles on their home turf. West Coast’s once gigantic advantage playing in Perth has dissolved in recent seasons. In fact, last year Subiaco Oval haunted them due to its length. Where once they exploited the unusually long oval with their run and carry, now they suffer from a stark lack of pace. Visiting teams boasting players who motor across the turf have scythed through the Eagles time and again.
The Giants are one of the elite running teams in the competition, as we saw last week when they routinely slashed through the Gold Coast’s defences by allying their foot speed with swift, assured ball movement.
So clinical were some of their attacking forays that they appeared to be doing the old ‘three-man weave’ many Roarers will themselves have practiced on the training track. The Giants bolted in waves, swamping the Suns and all but extinguishing their hopes of having a successful 2015 season.
GWS players are encouraged to take on the game. They manifestly enjoy this assertive, flair-laden brand of football. The reason it is now reaping dividends is that they have coupled it with a better-honed and more thoroughly applied defensive approach.
The Giants are now a two-way running team. Many of them storm into their back half with the same intensity seen when sprinting into attack.
Although West Coast destroyed GWS in Perth last season, their development has been noted by Eagles coach Adam Simpson.
“I think we are just starting to see the signs of what’s coming this year with GWS,” he told Perth radio station 6PR this week.
“They’re a different team than we faced last year. They’re a dangerous side to play. They’re hard running, they’re young and enthusiastic, and they don’t really rely on one player. They’re pretty balanced with everything they do.”
It is this even spread which is missing at Gold Coast, which leans heavily on superstar captain Gary Ablett. Although it could be argued that GWS co-captain Callan Ward has been almost as influential at the Giants, they do not rely on him in the same manner.
Their most important player is behemoth ruckman Shane Mumford. The most physical and intimidating footballer in the competition, Mumford is arguably as good as any big man in the land. He is averaging 13 touches, 35 hit outs, five tackles and four clearances per game.
What doesn’t show up on the stats databases is the space he clears for teammates with his massive frame, or the manner in which many opponents appear less certain in their ball handling when he is nearby.
At his feet are a clutch of blossoming on-ballers with a blend of pace, poise, attacking instincts and impressive foot skills. Dylan Shiel, Adam Treloar and Lachie Whitfield each represent the kind of young, classy, fleet-footed midfielder for which many teams would sell the farm.
The brawn, tenacity and experience of Ward and former Western Bulldogs skipper Ryan Griffen complement that trio perfectly. When their midfield wins the ball they now look up to see two in-form tall options in Jeremy Cameron and Cam McCarthy.
Combined, that pair of key forwards are offering the Giants 25 touches, 11 marks and six goals a game this year. Cameron is a proven commodity, having earned All Australian selection in 2013. For his offsider McCarthy, this is shaping as his breakthrough season.
Down back, injury-plagued key defender Phil Davis has finally got a decent run at it and has been in wonderful touch. Meanwhile, veteran Joel Patfull is doing a solid job of holding down the second main defensive post. Around them, the Giants are gaining drive out of the likes of Heath Shaw and Tomas Bugg.
As Simpson stated, they have become a balanced line-up. GWS have taken a giant stride past Gold Coast this season and look far closer to playing finals, and having an impact in September, than their fellow expansion team.