The Giants have been one of the best and most consistent teams over the last four years, and that is despite losing stars Dylan Shiel, Adam Treloar, Nathan Wilson and Rory Lobb.
But after a terrific season last, they’ve been massively up and down this year. And after Tuesday’s loss against Adelaide, I don’t think they deserve to play finals.
Here are two reasons why.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Scoring
Over that four=-season period between 2016 and 2019 they were reminiscent of the Cats of 2007, 2009 and 2011. They dominated the midfield battle, they scored for fun and they won most of the time by pretty big margins.
When it comes to scoring, they entertained, averaging 92.1 points per game, and they kicked 13.3 goals and 12.1 behinds per game. This season, despite the fact it’s a shortened fixture, they’re averaging only 60.2 points per game and kicking only 8.7 goals and 7.8 behinds per game. They’ve even not scored 50-plus points in a game six times, including against Sydney and Adelaide.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s pretty impressive given the season is shorter, but if you want to be playing finals, you’d have to at least be averaging 65 points a game and kicking it a bit more accurately – and going past 50 every game. It might improve next year when we’re basically back to normal life, but it still won’t be enough to make finals this year.
Inconsistency
An infection that has plagued nearly half the teams this season and for nearly every AFL season, Greater Western Sydney are nearly the epitome of an inconsistent team. And this is rare given they were so consistent the previous four seasons.
For example, after defeating the Cats in Round 1 by 32 points at Giants Stadium they got a near two-month break and then lost two in a row against the Bulldogs and Kangaroos. Then, after winning three in a row, including one against Richmond, they lost their next two against Sydney and the Eagles.
And then, after winning against Freo and the Blues, they go out and lose against the Crows. That is just absolutely poor. Yes, they had a few injured, but the previous seasons when players got injured they were still winning. Times have changed for all of us, and clearly so have GWS.
In the end, though, it will all come down to these final two games against two genuine finals contenders in St Kilda and Melbourne. Yes, they’ve been inconsistent and, yes, they’re not scoring as much, but they’re still a chance.
But with both these teams being very challenging, they’re going to have to be on their A game. And if they don’t, it’s goodnight finals for the Giants.
DTM
Roar Rookie
Top 6 is enough. However, we know that the finals is (usually) about money but to include 9th and 10th is ridiculous.
RT
Roar Rookie
And that sums up why we should not entertain this idea that some push, for 9th and 10th to play off against 7th and 8th for finals. You barely deserve it in 8th, let alone anything below.
DTM
Roar Rookie
Hard to disagree with the headline but do Melbourne, Bulldogs, Carlton deserve to plays finals more than GWS?
timbo's rules
Guest
I agree on the quality they played, but they also didn't turn up in the GF. If they had played as well as they did in the first 3 finals then it would have been a lot closer and Richmond or Geelong or West Coast would not have been the certainty that you suggest.
Marty Gleason
Roar Guru
I'd dispute they were good in 2019. There were plenty of games where they didn't show up and scored only 30-odd points (in a 20 min/quarter season). Those late losses against Hawthorn and WBulldogs were also really poor. They got to the Grand Final because they didn't have to play Richmond, Geelong or West Coast until week 4 of the finals, and look what happened when they did.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I predicted that they would have an average season after the demoralising GF. Lived up to expectations. Sack the coach... sorry did he just get his contract extended.
Jake Ramzy
Don't ever compare this abomination to the mighty cats. Geelong of 2007 would absolutely flog this joke. No one in the GWS team is as good as Bartel, Scarlett, Enright, Ottens, Ablett, Corey, Mackie, Ling they are all triple premiership champions, GWS have won nothing and play bruise free football
andyfnq
Roar Rookie
You don't get marked up or down on who the wins and losses were against. You could just as easily mention that they have got over two of the favourites in Geelong and Richmond and are dark horses for a GF! Basically, if they win enough games they deserve finals and if they don't they don't, it's as simple as that :happy:
DingoGray
Roar Guru
They probably don't but I just have a feeling they will sneak their way in and might even win a final knowing them.
Timbo's rules
Guest
Last year the Giants played 1 great, 1 good and 1 poor game almost on rotation. In the finals they played 3 great and 1 poor. This year it is more like two good and 1 poor on rotation with a couple of great games thrown in. I would expect 1 win from the next two games and that puts them in the finals. I don't however see them managing more than 1 great game come finals time. Whoever plays them first up, watch out. Doggies probably.