Well, that was relatively painless. Greater Western Sydney’s debut is done and dusted, and it was nowhere near the bloodbath the football world was expecting.
Yes, a 10-goal loss, but that’s about the best that could be hoped for a new team against an ultra-professional, battle-hardened side like the Swans.
The story of Saturday night wasn’t the margin or the result, but the performance.
Using the only relevant measuring stick we’ve got – Gold Coast’s debut against Carlton last year – the Giants came away with full marks.
Not that those on the Glitter Strip would be appreciative of that contrast. If anything, the pressure on the shoulders of Guy McKenna and his coaching staff is now greater after GWS’s bright start.
There should be an unspoken rivalry between the two AFL expansion sides. Maybe rivalry isn’t the right word – ‘arms race’ is probably more appropriate. We know they’re both going to be good, and they have the tools, but who will get there first?
Both clubs were born with silver spoons in their mouths. In terms of talent, neither team can really complain with what they’ve been given.
The tough part is putting it into practice – making sure that players like David Swallow and Steven Coniglio become the superstars they can be.
One imagines that they’ll be peering over the fence and having a good look at what the other is doing in terms of development, if they haven’t already.
It’s handy to know there’s someone else in the same boat, dealing with the same challenges. But what’ll be most fascinating is watching two different schools of thought at work.
Gold Coast, led by second-year coach McKenna, are getting there slowly. However, their pre-season has been disappointing and McKenna is no guarantee to be offered a new contract by the club for 2013.
Their expansive, first-option gameplan is good when it works, but they get blown away when it doesn’t. They also can’t run out a full game yet.
Neither can GWS. But it’s clear Kevin Sheedy and Mark Williams are approaching things differently. From what we’ve seen in the NAB Cup and on the weekend, they’re a little more in-your-face.
Against Sydney, the Giants were a lot harder at the ball than the Suns were on debut. Maybe they actually listened to Sheeds’ pre-match address. What he said was what they did.
Of course, they were soundly beaten – but when you consider the depths of Gold Coast’s stage fright in their game against Carlton, they weren’t disgraced. That’s good enough.
Make no mistake – this is still going to be a very tough year for Greater Western Sydney. There’s no way they’ll maintain that level of intensity in every game.
However, there is reason for a little more hope. If we use Gold Coast’s first match as a benchmark, then GWS passed with flying colours.
They dealt with the hype and the build-up of the occasion better and pulled out a mature performance to match. So far, so good.
But the Suns, a year older and a year wiser, would have been watching intently. They know the excuses won’t wash as easily if GWS continue to snap at their heels.
The Giants’ debut caught plenty by surprise, but now Gold Coast must prove that they’re ahead.
Macca
Guest
What do you make of the North loss VInce?
Macca
Guest
What is your analysis of this week Ian? Another fantastic performance from a young group? 130 point loss to a team who will struggle to make the 8 with to of the experienced recruits back in the side, should we be lauding that performance as well? As for sucking less than I expected, if you look at what I said before the game I said the Swans don't belt to many teams so they were about 3 goals better than I thought.
whatever
Guest
Clueless Adelaide fan with huge bias. Surprised you're allowed to contribute, surprised you aren't writing an article about your team.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
mattamkll when you ask what it has to do with things (what sport you follow), well it's relevant in terms of the vernacular. Northern states and League people use "jersey", Southern states and AFL people use "guernsey". There is no right or wrong, it's a question of the vernacular, and as I said, it's common in AFL circles to refer to first year 18 yo players as "kids", to differentiate them from players who have played 50+ games.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Maybe, I don't know, that extra year counts for a fair bit this early in their development, but there are a few variables leading up to match day that will impact on the result.
TomC
Guest
That's a very interesting point of view, Matt, although I don't know if I agree with it. Of course, generally when we use the term, we're talking about a group of people, rather than a particular individual. It'd seem ridiculous to talk about 18 year old Jeremy Cameron, all 195cm and 90kg of him, as a 'kid'. I don't think the term is personal enough for it to be demeaning.
Norm
Guest
Go to Adelaide if you want to see media scrutiny on AFL teams! Makes Sydney look like morning coffee at the art gallery!
mattamkII
Guest
well said. Trying to draw some link between two games a year apart, with different team while comparing its result to where those teams finished last year against a crystal ball guess of where the current teams may or may not finish this season is so stupid it laughable. Even saying it is hard/funny. They did ok and sightly better than expected.
mattamkII
Guest
I follow all sports mate. Grew up with Aussie Rules in Adelaide, supported Glenelg and Geelong in the VFL. But became more of a rugby fella over the years. Still play both. Not sure what that has to do with me not liking people referring to professional athletes, all of age, as KIDS. I think its dismissive and insulting. Not as insulting as Kevos pre-match speech though. He was actually talking to them like they were genuine kids. I think the more you treat/refer to these guys as kids, the longer they will take to develop.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Macca, The Giants sucked a lot less than you expected. Just deal with it and move on.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Theres also the important point that eighteen and nineteen year olds arent yet fully grown men - they havent finished filling out, and they havent finished building muscle mass. They are kids, and they did fine.
ItsCalledFootball
Roar Guru
From that perspective it was a good effort, but it would be interesting to see how they go against the Suns. Still think Ablett's team will flog them.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
mattamkll I'm not sure which sport you follow, but in AFL circles, it's common to refer to first year 18yo rookies as "kids".
mattamkII
Guest
Mate take your point. But they are all young men playing pro sport. To call them kids is a bit insulting if you ask me. Thay are a young side yes, kids no. Kids play school and cant vote.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
There were 14 teenagers in the team, in my book, that makes them kids.
mattamkII
Guest
kids, someone mention the kids. They are kids you know these kids. Kids playing footy and kids mate you know kids. If I hear one more person refer to them as kids I am going to do my Charlie. They are a team of young blokes, who got hammered in their first game. The worst part is people are trying to draw out some level of form guide. Comparing two games a year apart with different teams is pretty funny.
Redb
Roar Guru
Agree with the article. The Giants play a more accountable type of game compared to the Suns. I also think the coaches are more savvy pushing numbers back to stem the tide. It's possible McKenna is not tactically up to it and this perhaps represents the gap in the respective sides starts.
JohnM
Guest
True - we are not comparing apples with apples. Though I would wager that Parramatta did in fact field a team with 80% who did not compete at a senior game standard ;)
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
Not sure that has anything to do with the media, its just a reflection of where both teams are at. I doubt Parramatta fielded a team with 80% not having played a senior game. Ask Richmond supporters how often the media has stuck the boots into their club over the years.
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
Virtual trade? GWS couldn't pick up O'Meara even if they wanted to. If they didn't 'trade', they would have ended up with nothing.