How quickly things change. When the Giants and Bulldogs came up with the ‘Prime Minister’s Cup’, they would have been certain it would last at least two matches before the PM was no longer a fan of one of the clubs.
But change can arrive at unexpected times. In life, in politics and, most definitely, in football.
It’s a reality the winless Giants, forced to throw multiple men behind the ball again last week against North Melbourne, would be clinging to right now – but not without reason.
After Round 14 last year, the Gold Coast Suns were winless and stuck to the bottom of the ladder. Just like the Giants are today.
Their percentage was 53. Quite similar to the Giants’ 50 right now.
In their last four matches, losing margins for the Suns had included 97, 95 and 126. Sounds familiar.
It wasn’t until two weeks later that the Suns turnaround was marked with a win, via the improbable scenario of Karmichael Hunt kicking a goal after the siren. It took another month for the next win to come, against GWS.
But the pressure was off and, as we’re seeing now, it was actually the start of something quite genuine. The Suns have arrived.
Going into a match this weekend that can be considered winnable, against the Bulldogs in Canberra, this story can give hope to the Giants’ small but committed fan-base. But there also problems with it.
The key difference in the second seasons of the expansion clubs is that the fourth-quarter fadeouts are far more brutal at Greater Western Sydney.
It’s telling that in games where they got a sniff the Suns were able to push right to the end. That’s how, in the first half of last year, they got within three kicks of quality teams like Essendon, Fremantle and North Melbourne.
The Giants, too, have challenged some big guns. Even bigger guns, in fact. They were 21 points up against an improved Essendon at half time. They were within two goals of Geelong at three quarter time.
But instead of taking these matches to the final siren like the Suns would have, an inability to run out games has meant the closest the Giants have gotten to winning is a 30-point loss to the Sydney Swans (not a terrible achievement, but after 13 games you’d hope for a bit more).
The reality is oppositions average 40 points a game against the Giants in fourth quarters. The Giants themselves average 14.
If all this sounds dour, it shouldn’t be taken to mean the Giants are not on track. There’s no reason for it to be panic stations.
Jeremy Cameron’s potential is enormous. The second year blues have hit the midfield group, Adam Treloar aside, but just wait until Toby Greene, Stephen Coniglio, Dylan Shiel and Lachie Whitfield have some more games under their belt.
The foundation is there.
The similarities with the Suns show they’re near where they naturally should be. The differences show that maybe they could use a Gary Ablett. Their marquee man, whoever it may be, is yet to arrive.
There’s also been the draw, which for the Giants has been the third-toughest in the league to date.
And while injuries were a factor at the Suns last year too, what a difference it would make having the likes of Phil Davis and the newly retired Chad Cornes on the field. In such a young side, these losses have more of an impact.
For the Dogs clash, the Giants welcome back Cameron and Coniglio. Matthew Boyd is an out for the Bulldogs.
The Dogs, frankly, are the better side right now. But as their highest profile supporter would know, mantels can move very swiftly – and this particular mantel is destined to.
Regardless of the result, the fact is GWS aren’t all that far removed from where the Suns were at the same point.
In this light, the four points on Saturday may not seem all that important to where the Giants will ultimately end up.
But – as with their counterparts up north – the pressure will be off and, in time, it could actually be the start of something quite genuine.
Chairman Kaga
Guest
You would have thought the internet would exist in the nation's capital by now which has oodles of AFL content. So, we have North Korea and the ACT with no internet left on planet earth.
Allan
Guest
Except for the fact no one in Western Sydney knows who he is.
Stavros
Guest
I reckon that is rubbish. You say Sheedy was demanding overs, but I bet the other clubs were only offering B and C graders. Don't know if you saw AFL360 the other night, but they had a mock draft for Tom Boyd. Mark Maclure suggested Freo trade Sandilands and Duffield for him. Two guys with a couple of seasons left for a potential superstar. His other suggestion was Collingwood do a straight swap with Dane Swan. Another guy who might not be playing in a few seasons. You can only imagine what clubs were offering for O'Meara and Martin.
John Hamilton
Roar Pro
I haven't really heard of that but I live in Canberra so getting any AFL news isn't exactly easy. I reckon Harry O would be a much better option than Franklin. He would be cheaper as well. We could probably get two key defenders for the money we are reportedly willing to spend on Franklin. Franklin is more likely to bring in the crowds in Sydney though.
Mitcher
Guest
Does anyone else get annoyed by multiple commentators (I'm looking at you in particular Gerard Healy) calling them 'The' GWS'? Ever heard 'here come the Carlton' or 'The Hawthorn move into forward 50'. No, you say? I've just got issues? Yeah, fair call.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
John, given current talk in the media, how does Harry O sound?
TW
Guest
The Giants have published this survey on their 3 Canberra matches this season. Not exactly going backwards off the field down there. There has been one naysayer on here saying that the Canberra set up is doomed (How typical) - Not just yet we would think. http://www.gwsgiants.com.au/news/2013-07-03/giant-benefits-for-canberra-
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Mark, haven't seen the Fox ratings but good to see their up. The Suns crowds are a bit down but given no big Melbourne clubs have visited yet perhaps that's to be expected.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
1860, GWS had one of the better fixtures at the start of the season but up until now it's been pretty tough. From here, it's not too bad. You've got two fairly winnable games (WB, Melb). I'd be surprised if they didn't split these games. They may find a second win against BL, GC or by pulling off a proper upset at some point. Won't win more than two though.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Two errors in the one piece, how am I going? Cheers Ian and Tom, now fixed.
Australian Rules
Guest
Who cares about St Kilda? My point was to compare the average ages of the Top 3 teams with that of the Giants, who are by far the youngest, and will improve as they mature. http://afl.allthestats.com/?itm=111331
Jermayn
Guest
No they were disadvantaged by the fact the other clubs had to deal with Kevin Sheedy... GWS had four extra mini draft 17 year old kids they were allowed to traded for - Gold Coast never had that. Kevin Sheedy has history and a reputation for being a pain in the bum when dealing with in the trading period and it showed again. When Gold Coast had access for the 10 previous listed/ nominated players, clubs were more than happy to deal with them because they did not demand overs unlike Sheedy has and continues to do. I expect GWS to be productive only if Kevin Sheedy is shown the door.
Garth Jones
Roar Rookie
If all their draft picks turn out to be superstars, like so many seem to think, then in a few years time GWS will be forced to trade out some of those players due to salary cap problems (unless they are still being given concessions by the AFL). The quality of the lesser rung players will determine whether they make it to finals time as the superstars can only carry a team so far.
Geronimo
Guest
Allan the all seeing futurist...Probably said the Swans would head back to South Melbourne in the 90s...
Garth Jones
Roar Rookie
You forgot to mention St Kilda's playing list is also 24+, how good are they going? Age doesn't always equal maturity or quality of player so you need to stop using age as an argument for the Giants. The Lions have the third youngest list but rarely is their age mentioned.
Geronimo
Guest
It was an extra game for the TV rights so hard to start them further apart although that would have been better. Giants have been disadvantaged by having second crack at the disgruntled/secondary competition pool which is why they had to hire old men which didn't quite work out this year,,
Allan
Guest
No they will never be.
Epiquin
Guest
Will it?
Epiquin
Guest
That's true. Franklin is a huge celebrity in Sydney. Everywhere I go, people are saying "I'm just waiting for Franklin to join the team. Then I'll be at every game!"
Stavros
Guest
Why wouldn’t the best 12 year olds be successful when they are 16? Not sure where you are going there. Whether GWS eventually win a flag with their current crop of players isn’t really the point. Becoming a consistent finals side will make them part of the Western Sydney sporting fabric.