The Giants are hurting from the lack of one other essential defender to damage however expect to regain captain Toby Greene to face St Kilda on Sunday.
GWS coach Adam Kingsley says the star ahead will play in opposition to the Saints so long as he will get by way of coaching unscathed, after a choice on his availability for spherical 9 got here proper right down to the wire.
Greene’s restoration from the ankle damage he picked up throughout his heroic efficiency within the Sydney derby has been tempered by the lack of halfback Isaac Cumming, who will miss the subsequent 5 weeks with a torn calf.
Kingsley stated the 24-year-old was troublesome to exchange in a backline already lacking Sam Taylor, one of many sport’s premier key defenders.
“I think (Cumming) is a significant absence for us; he can play tall, small, he provides that real offensive run, but he’s certainly very safe in defence,” he stated.
“Callum Brown gets an opportunity, Cam Fleeton got his opportunity on the weekend … both those boys had their moments where they’ve been really strong and we see a glimpse into what they’re capable of.
“It looks more likely that Toby will play, so that’s good. He was really close on Sunday but he still has to get through training.”
Kingsley stated the ruck choice battle between incumbent Matthew Flynn and backup Kieren Briggs had change into “neck and neck” after the latter’s wealthy vein of type at VFL degree.
The 201cm Giants Academy product was colossal with 25 disposals, 41 hit-outs, seven clearances and a purpose because the GWS reserves overran Collingwood with seven remaining quarter targets to say a two-point victory.
“I think that battle has become neck and neck with Briggsy’s form, and Flynny has been pretty strong for us over the course of the season, but there’s not much separating those two,” Kingsley stated.
“(Braydon) Preuss is going to be out for a little while longer, so he’s not in that conversation.”
First-round choose Harry Rowston additionally earned Kingsley’s reward after racking up 19 clearances within the VFL, and may very well be given a recall to provide the Giants extra grunt across the contest, which the coach stated they lacked within the heavy defeat to the Magpies.
“Our pressure and our tackle intent wasn’t as strong as it’s been for any game this year and as a result we were punished,” he stated.
“We need to fix that part of our game to give ourselves any chance to first and foremost compete in any game we play, let alone who it is we’re playing.”
Giants unveil new Indigenous jumper
GWS will put on its new Indigenous jumper over the subsequent fortnight as a part of the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
The guernsey known as Ngurra, which implies nation and connection within the Darug language native to western Sydney.
Indigenous Giants gamers Toby Bedford and Harry Rowston unveiled the brand new design, which was created by Wiradjuri artist Leeanne Hunter – additionally behind the membership’s 2019 jumper design.
Bedford grew up round his father’s household in Fitzroy Crossing earlier than shifting to Victoria at about seven years previous and stated he cherishes his time in WA, whereas Rowston has been discovering out extra about his heritage in the previous few years after not figuring out a lot about his Indigenous background.
Rowston stated it was useful having a teammate like Bedford on the membership to assist him study his tradition and historical past.
The former Demon stated he was at all times excited to play in Sir Doug Nicholls Round and thought this 12 months’s jumper was a “pretty special” design.
“We’ll be wearing the jumper and representing, not only this round when it comes around, but you’re always representing the club and the people in your club. For me and the other Indigenous boys, it’s an opportunity to represent your family and your culture,” Bedford stated.
“I know speaking to a lot of Indigenous boys all around the league, it’s always their favourite round because you wear these amazing jumpers. This is pretty special this year.”
Source: www.news.com.au
