Greater Western Sydney are confident they possess the forward firepower and the physical strength to test the Sydney Swans in Saturday’s AFL opening round derby at Spotless Stadium.
The Swans are fancied to mount another strong premiership challenge, while third year franchise GWS are determined to far exceed the one win they tallied last season.
Both teams will field well credentialed debutants, but just as striking are some of the omissions.
Former Hawthorn spearhead Lance Franklin and ex-Carlton defender Jeremy Laidler will each play their first AFL game for the Swans.
Sydney could find no room for former club champion Ryan O’Keefe, even though they were unable to pick recuperating stalwarts Adam Goodes and Kurt Tippett.
The Giants will field four newcomers, three of them premiership players, in ruckman Shane Mumford (ex-Sydney), and defenders Josh Hunt (ex- Geelong) and Heath Shaw (ex-Collingwood), plus former Bulldogs small forward Dylan Addison.
The Giants couldn’t squeeze in former Sydney midfielder Jed Lamb, and the top two picks from last year’s draft, Tom Boyd and Josh Kelly.
GWS forward Jeremy Cameron is set to play after he seemed to have no obvious mobility issues at training on Friday, after rolling an ankle last week.
Giants coach Leon Cameron was adamant his side could handle the Franklin-Sam Reid combination and pose Sydney problems with their own forwards.
“They’ve got a very very potent forward line, but we’re confident our backline has really progressed over the last couple of months,” Cameron said.
“In saying that, we’re very happy with our potent forward line as well.
“With Cameron and Jonathon Patton and Jonathan Giles as well, we feel as though we can put the acid on Sydney’s backs.”
Hunt, who won two premierships with the Cats, has noted the difference in physical stature in the third-year Giants.
“Playing against them for the last couple of years, you notice that the second year that they are a bit stronger and hit a bit harder and take hits a bit better,” Giles told AAP.
While Sydney have won all four previous derbies, Swans coach John Longmire says the Giants possess tremendous talent.
“We’ve seen their pre-season and they played really well against us and they had a great win against St Kilda and played some real quality football down in Wagga,” Longmire said.
“Then last week against Adelaide they pushed the Crows and lost by just eight points.”
Allan
Guest
It was always going to happen Stavros. Though don't get too excited, we here in Western Sydney still don't want to and will never be a part of it.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
We used to be good. Over the years our wet weather performances have declined dramatically. Needs to be addressed
Penster
Guest
I agree, and am on a high too. The Swans meet Collingwood next. Is it too much to hope for a draw? It was shabby the way Buddy and his management used GWS as a witless smokescreen for the real negotiations with the Swans and their famous "culture" a couple of days after losing the GF to them.
Cat
Roar Guru
I've been sober for 18 years now, but I am still feeling great, season couldn't have started any better
Stavros
Guest
I feel for you today Allan. The result that you have been dreading has come true.
Penster
Guest
How's the head this morning Gene? That match was perfection.
JR Salazar
Guest
No worries. He juiced the whole thing down while you weren't looking/typing.
JR Salazar
Guest
Yes, sir. And some!
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Good stuff, AR!
Allan
Guest
Yeah....nah They're still an embarrassment.
Australian Rules
Guest
Well...there it is. I officially know nothing about footy. What a win. Great night for the Giants. Incredible night for the Giants.
Ash
Guest
Well... mixed emotions as a Lions fan because I know that the Giants will be bloody tough to beat!!! Quality recruitment, coaching and gameplay. Oh, and the Swans suck in wet weather.
Phelpsy
Guest
Anyone eating crow ?
Daws
Guest
LoL
collingwood_greece
Guest
who's going to win the widden spoon now?? more likely buckleys collingwood than the gws...shaw didnt fit in buckleys culture....hey buckley ......shaw was one of the best players and you lost by 70 points...i love your cultura
andyincanberra
Guest
The Giants-haters are going to have a far tougher time this year.
Radelaide
Guest
You seem to be having a good time Gene, don't spill your drink :)
Cat
Roar Guru
bahahahaha
Cat
Roar Guru
Bet you feel stupid now don't you?
Alicesprings
Guest
GWS for the spoon right??...probably not.