GWS speedster Lachie Whitfield says having the right mindset is the key to the Giants improving their dreadful MCG record and bringing consistency to their AFL campaign.
The Giants have won just two of 16 games at the MCG heading into Sunday’s clash there with Melbourne.
GWS kicked just five goals and scored 38 points in their loss to Hawthorn there last week, but rebounded to flog Carlton by 99 points at Giants Stadium on Sunday.
“I don’t think too much will change, but it’s just a mindset, we need to get ourselves right,” Whitfield said.
“We need to be prepared to play on the G, it’s a bigger ground.”‘
The 6-3 Giants have alternated between poor and impressive performances.
“Stuff on defence, just organisation and communication, we need to get better and it’s a pretty easy fix really. It’s just a mental thing, so we just need to get switched on, that’s all,” Whitfield said.
Having frequently played in heavily beaten Giants sides in their first few seasons Whitfield empathised with the Carlton side they monstered on Sunday.
“I know how Carlton feel; it’s a pretty down feeling,” Whitfield said.
“You’ve got to go back on the flight and it’s quiet times, but you’ve got to review it and take it on the chin.
“We did it for two or three years, so I know it hurts.”
He said it wasn’t hard to stay focused for four quarters and pile on the points against Carlton, even though the contest was effectively over by halftime.
“It’s not too hard because it’s fun; that was a fun game to play,” he said.
“Everyone’s getting involved, everyone is kicking goals, transition is really good, but when we play defence that’s what’s exciting.”
An All -Australian half-back in 2018, Whitfield is enjoying another top notch campaign this year playing primarily in a new role as a high half forward.
Whitfield’s additional versatility is making him an even more valuable asset to GWS this year.
“He’s the sort of player you love to coach because whether it’s wing, half-back on ball or forward ,he clearly takes every role in his stride and never complains,” GWS coach Leon Cameron said.
Cat
Roar Guru
So long as there are 9 Victorian opponents for each Victorian team they are naturally going to play a lot of away games in Victoria to go with the 11 home games every side gets.
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
they play pretty much 17 or 18 out of 22 in Vic anyway. Which doesn't bother, it's the AFL heartland. Same as most games each weekend are in Sydney for NRL.
Raimond
Roar Guru
Actually the double road trip simply evens things out. Ideally the non-Victorian teams would play a Victorian team that had travelled interstate the previous week, every time.
Cat
Roar Guru
Why? The games average only 27,266 people during the H&A season when GWS played there. It's hardly fiscally responsible to use a 100k stadium to host such abysmal crowds. Should the home team be losing money hand over fist for GWS to 'get experience' when they have alternative venues to hold small crowds where they can still make a profit? If teams are allowed to sell home games to smaller venues (and all teams that have requested to have been allowed to) it only makes sense for the lower drawing teams to be played at the smaller venue. Until the AFL allows all teams to play all grounds this is the way it will work. Twice a year isn't a bad average. If you expect all interstate teams to average 3 or more games a year at the MCG then the MCG tenants will have to stay in VIC and play even more home state games ... is that what you really want?
Cat
Roar Guru
And if they win it will still be with an * because its just the Demons after a double road trip. Both times GWS won at the MCG were in front of extremely substandard MCG crowds (under 31k vs Collingwood and under 18k versus Melbourne). I suspect this weeks game will be another putrid crowd number considering the Demons supporters have already gone skiing.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Give them nothing, they have been given more than any new club. There 16 games over 7 seasons is more generous than Freo's. Maybe they should focus more on Cameron and in house issues than more gifts.
Raimond
Roar Guru
They have the Demons after a double road trip. No excuses.
Omnitrader
Roar Rookie
give them more games at G perhaps? They've played there 16 times over 7 seasons!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
GWS belted Sydney last finals series and then were kept at bay by the Pies in the semi at the G. They were truly awful against Hawthorn GWS and now are back on their horror stage to face an insipid Melbourne. If the Demons knock them over there easily again, where to for this highly talented list who can't win the big finals?