It’s been in the media more and more as the 2013 season goes on. The comparison between the Gold Coast Suns who are in their third season, and Greater Western Sydney Giants who are in their second.
Right now on the ladder after 15 rounds, Gold Coast sit in 14th position with five wins. GWS is last with zero.
In their AFL history, Gold Coast has 10 wins (2 in 2011, three in 2012 and five in 2013). GWS has one, which came against the Suns in 2012.
So how long do we give the Suns before we can fairly compare the two?
This time last season, Gold Coast were without a win. Many forget that.
Then in Round 16 a goal to Karmichael Hunt after the siren gave them their first win of the season against Richmond.
GWS came as close as they’ve got to a win against the Western Bulldogs two weeks ago, losing by three points.
Personally, the reason for the negative vibe around GWS is for the following reasons.
1. Lack of competitiveness
The Giants last week had 51 scoring shots scored against them by the Swans. They have conceded 2092 points for the season so far. That’s an average of 139 points conceded a game.
This time last season Gold Coast had conceded 1653 points. That’s an average of 110 points conceded a game.
So statistically after one season and 15 rounds, GWS concede 29 more points a game.
Up forward, the Suns have scored 1045 points at an average of nearly 70. The Suns this time last year had scored 915, an average of 61 points a game.
Does this say something about the game styles both sides a striving for and believe is successful?
2. Recruiting
These are the experienced players both sides have recruited so far.
Gold Coast
Gary Ablett
Campbell Brown
Michael Rischitelli
Jared Brennan
Jarrod Harbrow
Nathan Bock
Greg Broughton
Nathan Krakouer
Danny Stanley
GWS
Tom Scully
Phil Davis
Rhys Palmer
Callan Ward
Jonathon Giles
Stephen Gilham
Setanta O’Hailpin
Chad Cornes
Dean Brogan
Scott Thonton
Doesn’t take a genius to work out who has recruited the better group of experienced, but also fit and healthy players. The Giants must land a big fish in next seasons draft. They have too also get three or four experienced harder bodies, especially in defence.
Karmichael Hunt also worked out better than Israel Folau. One has kicked a goal after the siren to win a game, the other has left the AFL after little success.
The Suns arguably have it easier. They have been able to create a mini fortress down at Metricon Stadium, a home ground that has attracted crowds around the 12,000 mark all season.
They have also been given a derby against the Lions who are a middle of the range side, beatable by any side containing Ablett Jnr.
The Giants on the other hand have been dumped in a rugby league dominated town. They have also been given the reigning premiers as rivals, meaning their derbies thus far have been over before they have started.
Interestingly, GWS has more members than Gold Coast right now. 12,631 against 12,464.
The fact is though that Gold Coast members go and watch games more than GWS ones do.
The Suns last home game against Adelaide was played in front of 13,791 fans. GWS last home game against had a crowd of just over 7,000.
Plenty of work to do for GWS, obviously. But let’s look at what they have to work with.
Jeremy Cameron – has been top 10 in the Coleman Medal basically all year, and appears to be a superstar in the making up forward.
Jonathon Patton – two knee reconstructions isn’t ideal for a man his size, but obvious talent and with his size with form a formidable duo with Cameron if he can get himself fit.
Toby Greene – this kid is a ball magnet. Has suffered from second year blues as many kids do and still needs work on his disposal, but will be a very good player.
Tomas Bugg – quality defender who just needs some help around him.
Dylan Shiel – hard as nails and classy. Watch this space.
The problem with other high draft picks, young talent or experienced players is that they haven’t been able to play consistent footy. Scully, Phil Davis, Callan Ward and others have been injured for most of their time in GWS colours.
The Suns on the other hand it seems have much more to work with.
Jaeger O’Meara – possiby the best first year ever from a midfielder in the history of the game. Will win the rising star and possibly a Brownlow in the future.
Dion Prestia – the human meatball is a ball magnet.
David Swallow – has struggled at times but it’s inevitable he becomes an A grade midfielder.
Charlie Dixon – kicked six against the Giants earlier in the season. Clean hands and a great attack on the footy.
Harley Bennell – oozes class and skill. Kicks a lot of goals for a midfielder.
Trent McKenzie – one of the best kicks in the competition, so important in today’s age of zones and breaking the lines.
Aaron Hall – medium sized forward who looks capable of becoming a seriously good player. Chases hard.
Add in Brandon Matera and Tom Nicholls who have shown great signs, it’s scary to think how good they can be.
The majority of talent and games won has come from an Gary Ablett lead and probably taught midfield.
This is where GWS are lacking badly. Leadership and direction, on and off field.
They lost Mark ‘Choco’ Williams last year to Richmond, and it seems are just happy for Sheedy to do his work at promoting the club without putting his whole effort into the actual side itself.
So how do you see it? Are GWS in trouble? Will they go for and get Lance Franklin? Which team is closer to playing finals?
Interesting times ahead.
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