The Greater Western Sydney Giants finished seventh in 2021, with 11 wins, one draw and ten losses, although they are effectively sixth for the purpose of this exercise, due to their semi-final performances against higher-rated teams.
They had six debutants, while only four players featured in every game: Callan Ward, Harry Himmelberg, Tim Taranto and Isaac Cumming.
Here are the five players and an honourable mention that the Giants could least afford to lose based.
Honourable mention: Sam Taylor
Taylor featured in 17 of 22 games, the Giants winning two, losing two and getting a draw when Taylor was unavailable through injury.
He averaged the fourth most intercepts of any player in the AFL, an average of 8.47 per game, and averaged the third-most contested marks of any Giants player.
5. Josh Kelly
Kelly was extremely consistent in 2021 and was rewarded with a new contract. He averaged the most metres gained in the club, with an average of 454.17. He also averaged the second-most score involvements, with an average of 5.96 per game, as well as the most tackles, an average of 5.61 per game.
His versatility was a strength as he could play in the midfield or on the wing.
Last but not least, he led by example.
4. Jacob Hopper
Hopper was in the All Australian squad, had at least 21 disposals and only missed one game, which was through injury.
He averaged the third-most inside 50s of any of GWS player, with an average of 4.30, and the most contested possessions, with an average of 12.04.
3. Toby Greene
Greene featured in 18 games, including the elimination final win over the Swans and was named in the All Australian forward pocket.
He averaged the second-most score involvements of any player in the competition, with an average of 8.28, and kicked at least one goal in every game!
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
2. Lachie Whitfield
Whitfield was unavailable for the opening six games, and the club lost five of the seven games he didn’t play. Along with that, in Round 17 he was subbed out after accumulating just three disposals and the team lost to the Suns by one point!
He averaged the third-most metres, with an average of 437.65 per game, and 4.53 score involvements per game – remarkable for a player who played predominantly on a half back flank.
1. Tim Taranto
Taranto was a revelation, featuring in all 24 games that they played, averaging the most disposals and the most inside 50s at the club.
He also averaged 5.42 score involvements per game and had the second-most tackles – with an average of 5.33 tackles per game – which shows he worked hard defensively.
gant foopy
Guest
Probably even less, I think any club that takes cogs would be doing GWS a favour and thus giants would likely only want a pick in the 30s or 40s at the earliest
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Pretty solid list for Top 5 there. I still think Toby is there number 1 most important player. For stuff that often can't be measured
Thom Roker
Roar Guru
Any other year I'd have said Stephen Coniglio belonged in this group, but it just isn't the case any longer and soon enough Sam Taylor, Tom Green and Lachie Ash will join the top 5. I know it is speculative, but if Freo had $750K to offer Adam Cerra and he knocked them back AND they can move Rory Lobb with his $750K contract, what kind of pick do the Dockers need to produce to buy Cogs and his massive contract? Say the Dockers trade pick 8 for the Suns' picks 19 and 22 (maybe some exchange of late picks), would an early 2nd rounder be enough to make the Giants cut bait so they can get back out into the market and shore up the players they need most?
Chris M
Guest
When I look at your five players and honorable mention, I find it hard to think of any other players whom I would slot in there. It's not that there aren't other good ones, but these seem to be the cream. It's just a matter of the order, which is in the eye of the beholder. It will be interesting to see if any of their younger players can make make their way into calculations in the next year or two.
asd
Guest
No players if they can avoid it