GWS coach Adam Kingsley hasn’t but given up hope of creating a late AFL finals push however is aware of victory over Fremantle is crucial to his facet’s possibilities.
The Giants have received two of their final three fixtures – both facet of a six-point defeat to Richmond – to breathe much-needed life again into their season.
Kingsley has his sights set on one other conquer Fremantle (6-6) at Giants Stadium on Saturday, which might assist propel GWS (5-8) in the direction of an unlikely September berth.
“It’s certainly the aim. I think every team’s still aiming to make finals,” Kingsley mentioned.
“Some are a little closer than others and there’s a few in front of us who are a bit more of a possibility than what we are at the moment.
“But there is no cause why, with a shift of kind and a few actually sturdy performances within the subsequent month, (we won’t) put ourselves in a very good place to assault finals.”
The Giants have been boosted by the return of All-Australian defender Sam Taylor and former captain Josh Kelly from hamstring injuries.
Key tall Taylor will make a welcome return for his first appearance since being substituted out of a loss to Brisbane in round six.
Fremantle had a four-match winning streak broken by Richmond last week and lost wingman James Aish to concussion.
But the Dockers have recalled ball-winner Jaeger O’Meara, who served a one-match ban for rough conduct, and are just as hungry to stay in the finals hunt.
“It’s a very vital recreation heading into our bye,” Kingsley mentioned.
“Ideally we get an amazing end result and nonetheless inside contact.
“We’ve prepared really well for a Fremantle team who we know is relatively inexperienced, alongside us, but who are competing really hard and really capable.”
Kingsley mentioned the ruck and clearance battles can be essential to the result of Saturday’s encounter as Giants tall Kieren Briggs seems to be to proceed his sturdy kind towards Luke Jackson.
The athletic Jackson has shone within the lead ruck function for Fremantle within the absence of injured teammate Sean Darcy (hamstring).
“Our clearance game has improved on the back of (Briggs’ recent form) and so has our pressure game,” Kingsley mentioned.
“He’s been really vital in both those components of our game and it’s a tough challenge this week against a really good in-form player in Luke Jackson, so that’s going to challenge him.
“But we’re wanting ahead to watching that battle unfold.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
