Greater Western Sydney co-captain Callan Ward admits there’s a special feeling tied to the stand-alone start of the AFL season, comparing the buildup to that of finals football in Melbourne.
The AFL ensured the focus would be on the harbour city this week, which on Thursday hosted the season’s launch and all 18 clubs’ captains.
With every other team apart from GWS and the Swans given an extra week off, Saturday’s match is the only one being talked about by most pundits.
For Ward, who played in preliminary finals with the Western Bulldogs in 2009 and 2010, the feeling isn’t completely foreign.
“It’s been a huge buildup for this round-one game. Almost as big as a prelim, which is great,” the 20-year-old said.
“I was in Melbourne last weekend and all the talk was about our game this weekend.
“Then I came here and didn’t really know what the talk would be like.
“But seeing the billboards – and I’ve had heaps of calls from people that live here saying they can’t stop hearing about the game this weekend.
“There’s just a huge buzz around the football club.”
Many are expecting Giants co-captains Ward, Phil Davis and Luke Power to have a difficult task this year keeping morale high as the losses stack up.
Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett, whose side enjoyed three wins in their maiden season, suggested all of GWS’s AFL-experienced players would be key in 2012.
“They’ve obviously got some experienced players down there and I’m sure they’ve been through some ups and downs in their careers,” Ablett said.
“I think the role of them is to help the boys through and lead them through their first season. Because it is tough.
“At times you need to be serious, but at the same time it’s going to be a long season and it’s a tough industry at times. So you need a bit of fun around the club.”
Ablett suggested the upcoming season could perhaps be hardest for the likes of Ward, who for two consecutive seasons was just one win away from a grand final.
“Everyone finds it tough,” he said.
“I think it’s probably harder for the senior guys, especially those who have come from established clubs and come to a club where you’re not expecting things to happen straight away.”
GWS No.2 draft pick Stephen Coniglio was nominated as the leading Rising Star contender in the AFL’s annual captains’ poll.
Despite turning 18 just three months ago, Coniglio’s had extensive tutelage in the WAFL and looks ready for for AFL – a very similar story to Brisbane’s 2009 winner Daniel Rich.
“He’s so mature for his age,” Ward said, likening Coniglio’s workrate to that of former teammate Daniel Cross.
“He knows what to expect already. He just amazes all of the older guys who have been in the system for over 12 years.”
amazonfan
Roar Guru
Ouch. I really feel for you, that must be so disappointing.
The_Wookie
Roar Guru
I tipped the line at 64...so close lol Officiial crowd a touch over 38,000 (38,203) with an unspecified nuimber of freebies, but a good turnout nevertheless.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
I can't believe I changed my tip (the scoring margin). I broke the number 1 rule of tipping: NEVER change one's tips. Rats!
amazonfan
Roar Guru
Exactly. I wasn't being realistic. However, like you, I hope I'm wrong.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Yeh - I started out thinking about 60pts, but I'm back out to 90pts as more likely (but hoping the young Giants can do something special and get it down as much as possible)
amazonfan
Roar Guru
I tipped that Sydney will win by 90 points. I originally tipped 60, but then I realized I was probably being overly generous.
clipper
Guest
David Jones - perhaps that's something they should've tried for the Parramatta / Penrith game - 13,000 isn't a exactly a motza crowd, but I supose you could excuse it as one of the teams got a flogging -oh wait ...
strummer jones
Guest
I like it! GWS song "I fought the Swans and the...you know the rest"
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Giving away free caps? That's one of the most outrageous things I've ever heard in my life. The nerve of them - to actually give away free caps.
David Jones
Roar Rookie
I'm glad so many of you Victorians are getting excited about this, but up here in Sydney despite all the media hype its like trying to wake the dead. They had GWS tents in Sydny today giving away caps and free tickets to the game, but a lot of people weren't even interested in the free tickets. I can't even get anyone else at work interested in going to the game. Well, good luck to GWS whatever they do.
yewonk
Guest
30 t0 40 and i think im being generous with the forty. the way i see it this game is a pain in the bum for longmire he will be thinking about freo.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Against decent opposition, you're right, but against opposition that can't keep them tied down, they'll definitely go to town. Why would a coach forego the opportunity to zip out to 300+% very first game of the season?
The Cattery
Roar Guru
TW great vid - all NSWmen should feel proud.
yewonk
Guest
when have the swans flogged anyone it certainly isnt how longmire will have it. they have fremantle the following weeks.
TW
Guest
Here is a great video on our game in Sydney - Lots of stuff - Cappers great marks - Locketts important kicks- Historical bits and pieces. The Sheeds gives a pretty good rev up for his troops. Link -- http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/131328/default.aspx GWS membership on the eve of their first regular AFL match - 7755 In the future we will look back at that figure and say - From just an idea to fruition - That many members already.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
AC and gleeso You're both expressing quite juvenile conspiracy theories there. Last year Carlton flogged the Suns mercilessly. In Australian Football, if a team has a chance to destroy the opposition - they do it - they never hold back. When the siren goes, the ball is bounced - and whoever is good enough to win the ball, wins it.
gleeso
Guest
AC, That sounds very much like something the AFL would insist upon. I have no doubt that the Swans will 'clock-off' at half-time, possibly earlier. They will only win by 60 odd.
Macca
Guest
I don't bet on footy and even if I did I wouldn't bet on the NAB cup where only some sides are taking it seriously. Most people would have Collingwood, Carlton, & Geelong in their top 5 this year, how many NAB cup games did they win? You have 17 debutants and 5 experienced players who played less than 50 games last year between them, the result isn't going to be good.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
RedB, Just because I can see something happening doesnt mean I'll bet on that to happen :) Macca, So, how much money did you lose betting against GWS in the NAB cup ?
Redb
Roar Guru
Sorry Ian W. Get the odds for a 10 goal plus win and jump on. although the odds will be short. Look forward to the game though. I like watching the kids having a crack, big fan already of Curtly Hampton.