The eager Giants were stunned in their season opener, as they lost grip of a win against Melbourne in the dying seconds of the match.
They went down to the Demons by two points in a game that they should’ve won, having 28 scoring shots to Melbourne’s 20.
Geelong, on the other hand, were riding high after a win against the dominance of Hawthorn, who intend to make 2016 a fourth straight year of a yellow and brown triumph.
Despite the doubt surrounding the Giants’ ability to win against Geelong, their line-up had been bolstered by Stephen Coniglio, Will Hoskin-Elliot and Jonathan Patton.
The young trio are all capable goal kickers who can apply scoreboard pressure, hence, why they were brought into the side.
Greater Western Sydney (GWS) needed all the help they could get against the successors of last year’s premiers.
However, scoring wasn’t their only concern. Patrick Dangerfield notched up 43 disposals against the elite Hawthorn side, which boasts one of the competition’s most versatile midfields.
Perhaps the only factor giving this game a chance to provide some entertainment, was Steve Johnson lining up against his old teammates.
The 32-year-old appeared on various football shows all week downplaying his nerves, but we all knew that Stevie J had more tricks up his sleeve ready to unleash against his old side.
In his interviews, he said that the game was about the team but ironically, it was really an opportunity for him to defy the critics, who labelled him as selfish after his Round 1 performance.
Against the odds, the Giants dominated the game- and the stats.
The young side claimed 56 inside 50s, surpassing Geelong’s 48.
They also showed their brute strength through winning contested ball 148-126.
However, the most surprising stat – and the most pleasing stat to Giants fans – was that they dominated the middle without the presence of Adam Treloar, claiming 13 more clearances than the Cats (39-26).
Shane Mumford is the impact player of the competition.
He cleaned up Mitch Duncan with a bump that is sure to be replayed over and over throughout the week.
The 29-year-old is the most important player for the Giants, arguably more important than Gary Ablett is to the Suns, as he adds physical intimidation and exposes the talent of his young midfielders through his stunning ruck work.
The ‘big mummy’ may not possess the same level of talent as Ablett, but he adds something that the ‘little master’ doesn’t – brutality.
On the smaller scale, Devon Smith is arguably the best small forward in the competition behind Cyril Rioli and Eddie Betts.
Apart from his sheer accuracy, pace and immense pressure, Smith, unlike the other dominant small forwards of the competition, has the ability to contribute heavily in the middle of the ground.
The #14 pick in the 2011 draft averaged 19.2 disposals in 2015, highlighting his danger up forward and in the middle to the other teams of the competition.
His presence in the middle is key, as the Giants play their best footy through the corridor – the young legs of the Giants have genuine pace against the experienced midfielders of the competition.
Leon Cameron’s side remained supportive of each other throughout the game – showing no acts of selfishness – as they always had numbers ahead, behind and on the ball for extra support.
Probably the only thing that could be taken away from their astonishing victory was their fourth quarter.
Of course, it was inevitable that the Cats were due to come back hard to snatch the game, however, the Giants made it easier for them to do so.
They were often too quick for their own feet, gifting Geelong with opportunities to make amends for their lack of intensity throughout the match.
Moreover, Jonathon Patton’s 2016 debut was unsuccessful, as he ended up with just three behinds next to his name.
Of course, it is only his first game back of the year, however, his shots at goal were all kickable- especially for a forward of his size.
The former #1 pick may have all year to improve, however, the anticipated return of star forward, Jeremy Cameron hurts his chances to remain as the Giants’ main target up forward.
When Cameron makes his return, he could potentially take Patton’s spot if his accuracy doesn’t improve.
GWS face an even bigger challenge next round, coming up against the undefeated Swans at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The Giants’ defence is due to be exposed against the big bodies of Kurt Tippett and Lance Franklin, both coming off against four-goal performances against Carlton.
However, the midfield battle will be very interesting, as Callan Ward and Ryan Griffen will lead the way against the likes of Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebury and Kieran Jack.
GWS need to continue from where they left off, bursting through the corridor and sending the ball up forward in a quick and efficient manner.
The Swans are unstoppable at the moment, coming off against two massive wins against Collingwood and Carlton.
The game is theirs to lose, however, don’t ride off the Giants- they’ve already beaten one of the premiership contenders and are ready to prove to the competition that they will play finals this year.
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