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The Greater Western Sydney Giants yesterday unveiled their new Homebush facilities to the AFL community, and the league itself sent a clear message after helping the Giants with this $13 million dollar facility.
“No more excuses,” said Mike Fitzpatrick, AFL Chairman. “You’ve got the stadium, the training and admin centre, the support staff – from now on Giants, it’s up to you.”
With their introduction in 2012, many people thought that GWS had the advantage over the other new franchise, the Gold Coast Suns.
The argument was that the Giants had seen the progress of the Suns, recruited arguably better (despite not having Gary Ablett Jr) and employed a very talented coach.
But just like the Gold Coast Suns they have struggled badly over the past two years, winning just four games and losing the services of their now retired mastermind Kevin Sheedy.
It is now clear that Leon Cameron needs to see some improvement in his charges, as they will be judged against the year Gold Coast had last season.
Adding to these concerns, many thought Lance Franklin would be on his way to Homebush, before a last minute deal was made with cross-town rivals Sydney. At this stage, there may have been a bit of panic creeping in.
In saying this, the signs for the Giants look promising.
First came the pick up of Tom Boyd. Would they trade him? Would they keep him?
They kept him and are now building a forward line with huge potential. Jeremy Cameron, Jonathon Patton and now Boyd headline the young stars the Giants have to offer.
Add to this the pick up of Josh Kelly, a classy, hard-running midfielder who can run both ways, which brings more depth to their midfield after the loss of Dom Tyson to the Demons.
Defensive issues were clearly on Leon Cameron’s mind, as he has now looked to resolve those with the signing of experienced premiership-winning player Heath Shaw from Collingwood.
Although his best may be behind him, Shaw brings quality and consistency to the young Giants backline, acting as a mentor to people around him.
Dylan Addison also brings his leadership from the Bulldogs while Josh Hunt is another experienced, big body down back with a massive leg.
They might have not picked up Franklin, but the next man might turn out to be just as influential in the ruck. After hanging on with Dean Brogan as a mentor and on-field leader, it was clear after the former’s retirement that Jonathan Giles would need some help.
Enter Shane Mumford: premiership player, agile tall man and elite athlete who brings leadership skills and brilliant ruck work.
Leadership and players stepping up are crucial for the Giants this year. They should learn from the steps the Gold Coast implemented last season and they have already made good developments throughout the-off season.
It is important to note that again both clubs have difference circumstances to deal with. There is no Gary Ablett at GWS, and there is also no first-year player who could have the impact that Jaeger O’Meara did last year.
It has to be about work ethic and perseverance this year for the Giants. They need to build support both on and off field and these training facilities should act as a trigger for the Giants to build up a stronger team culture.
As the real footy in 2014 approaches, will the young Giants be able to step it up just like the competition needs them too?
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