In the context of the season, Greater Western Sydney’s win over Carlton was not a particularly surprising result – the Blues had previously lost to Melbourne, Brisbane and Richmond, all contenders for the bottom four.
In the context of the history of GWS, though, it was a giant leap. For the first time since the Giants’ inception, they won consecutive matches.
In the last two weeks GWS have had their biggest-ever win, kicked their highest-ever score, scored their first away win, and now won two on the trot. They have even climbed out of the bottom four.
Six weeks ago all this seemed unimaginable. In Rounds 8 and 10 they suffered consecutive 100-point losses and the public were wondering if this club would ever make it. Since then, the Giants have had competitive losses to Hawthorn and Essendon, and beaten Brisbane and Carlton.
They may have more wins on the way, too, with games against Adelaide, Richmond, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs to come. Only one of those are at home, but all are winnable.
The Giants could finish the year with six or seven wins, which would be a huge success compared to their first two seasons in the competition.
Next week is the big one, though. Their return bout against Sydney will be their biggest game yet. It would be folly to suggest they are a good chance to beat the premiership favourites, but stranger things have happened.
We all remember Round 1, when GWS shocked the Swans and the football world with a six-goal win. Of course Sydney were not the same outfit in Round 1 as they are in Round 14. Since their slow start to the season they have strung together nine wins in a row.
No, Sydney are not the same, but nor are the Giants. They have matured since then and have learnt a few lessons on what it takes to stay in games and what it takes to win.
Crucial to the Giants’ form turnaround has been the return of Shane Mumford. He leads the league for average hitouts per game this year with 43. His dominance in the ruck is bringing the midfield of Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward and Adam Treloar into the game like never before. He is also having a career-best season for average disposals, tackles, inside 50s and rebound 50s.
Having a big man of Mumford’s ability has done wonders for this young group.
Hopefully the Sydney public will get behind the Battle of the Bridge on Saturday night. The SCG has had some of the biggest AFL crowds in its history of late, and a chance for the Giants to perform on the big stage beckons.
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Very few Giants fans
Mal
Guest
Very few giants fans make the journey to Spotless either.
Josh Pinn
Roar Pro
To be honest, if the Giants beat Sydney it would be an even bigger upset than round 1. They are in with a chance to match Gold Coast's third season in term of wins, though. That's what they will realistically be assessed on.
Avatar
Roar Guru
Sydney are a far more stronger team than the one that turned up in round one. Goodes and Tippett were missing from the side that lost to the Giants back then, whilst Buddy was only playing his first match in Swans colours and was struggling to adjust. Both Goodes and Tippett will be back, and Buddy is in good form heading into the rematch at the SCG. GWS will also have Jeremy Cameron and possibly Toby Greene coming back, which will give them their strongest team since the early rounds when you also include Shane Mumford, Josh Hunt, Heath Shaw and Phil Davis. I have a feeling that the sixth installment of the Battle of the Bridge will be the closest of them all. To be honest I cannot predict a winner with any real confidence, though it would be nice to see the Giants repeat the dose on the Swans again.
penguin
Guest
GWS will shock the Swans, particularly in the midfield. Hanneberry out and McGlynn underdone will assist Treloar, Ward etc. Mummy is in fantastic form as is Whitfield. The forward line is strong with Cameron returning. If Tippett plays I expect Sydney to win by about 4 goals, but if he doesn't it will be close, maybe less then 2 goals. In any event I think GWS will have a really good remainder of the year and will be finals contenders next year.
mindquad
Roar Rookie
GWS are on track to be on a par with the Suns in their third year (last year), when the Suns started to get more competitive for longer in games and started racking up wins which previously they wouldn't have been capable of. Suns won 8 last season so the GWS still have some way to winning another 4 games this year and the big hurdle remains the fact they haven't yet been able to score a win in Melbourne. You don't really get respect and kudos until that happens.
mds1970
Roar Guru
It's a big ask for the Giants to get up this week; although they'll likely have Jeremy Cameron back. Also Toby Greene's club suspension is up, and he's in the mix for selection - after his niggling role in the season opener, there's a good chance he'll go straight back into the senior side. It's unlikely the Giants will win. The Giants ambushed them in round 1, and the Swans will be better prepared this time; and they're in imposing form at the moment. But it's important for the Giants that they be competitive and not go down by 20 goals like they did at the SCG last year. And let's hope there's a good crowd. The Swans' support is rolling along quite nicely, with a massive crowd for their last start against Port Adelaide. And hopefully more Giants fans will made the cross-town journey to the SCG this time - very few did last year. I'll be there, wearing orange.
Michael huston
Guest
I think if GWS beat Sydney, it would actually be the strangest thing to happen. There is absolutely no reason at all that Sydney shouldn't destroy the Giants. If Sydney don't come out on the weekend firing, I'll be furious. They have more of a point to prove than GWS.