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Greater Western Sydney are primed to produce a big performance for coach Kevin Sheedy’s first game against his former club Essendon, as they prepare to christen their new home after an early season AFL odyssey.
The Giants play their first match at Skoda Stadium on Saturday after visiting every other regular AFL outpost bar Perth.
Tasmania, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane have all hosted the Giants, with Sheedy poised to extend his AFL record for most premiership venues coached at to 25.
The third from bottom Giants (1-7) host the third from top Bombers (7-1), looking to rebound from a 92-point flogging from Brisbane at the Gabba.
“We went out and performed in an unacceptable manner against Brisbane,” Giants’ co-captain Phil Davis told reporters on Monday.
“We pride ourselves on contested ball and clearances and we were well below what we expect to be, so we’ll bounce back this week.
“It’s good to play against Sheeds’s old team as well. So that adds a bit more spice to it.”
Davis doubted Sheedy would approach things any differently against a club he won four premierships with in a 27-year tenure as coach.
“But I’m sure for him it has a little bit of extra meaning against his old club and a club that has such a rich history, so hopefully we put in a really good performance for him and also for our football club and our supporters,” Davis said.
He wasn’t perturbed by the amount of early season travelling done by the Giants.
“I think it is a great opportunity to learn and play against some great teams at their home grounds,” Davis said.
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