GWS veteran Callan Ward’s stellar efficiency towards Richmond is ready to drive a change to the composition of the Giants’ midfield within the second half of the season.
Ward had 32 disposals, seven tackles and 7 inside 50s as he attended his most centre bounces for the season within the Giants’ heartbreaking loss to Richmond.
The 33-year-old has mixed with Tom Green and Stephen Coniglio within the midfield for the previous fortnight with sturdy success as GWS claimed an upset win away to Geelong, and had 23 extra ahead entries than Richmond on Sunday however didn’t take benefit.
The midfield spot opened up for Ward as a consequence of a hamstring harm to Josh Kelly, however the former co-captain, who was dropped to the sub function for 2 video games final month, has firmed as a part of coach Adam Kingsley’s most popular on-ball combine for the rest of the season.
“It’ll be an interesting discussion … I think that’s two weeks away with Josh Kelly (returning), but when that happens, we’ll have the discussion,” Kingsley mentioned.
“(Ward) has been in great form, he’s added something – a lot of hardness. He’s finding the ball and getting a lot of inside 50 kicks for us too.
“He’s been terrific in there and created a situation where we will have to have the discussion to see what the best mix is inside and where the other pieces fall.”
Missing half a dozen of their greatest 22 over the previous couple of weeks, Kinglsey mentioned the Giants had been set to welcome again star defender Sam Taylor earlier than their spherical 15 bye, however Kelly, Brent Daniels (hamstring) and Isaac Cumming (calf) had been extra more likely to return in Alice Springs towards Melbourne in spherical 16.
Kingsley mentioned the accidents had damage however allowed the Giants to get video games into youthful gamers on the proper time.
“It’s put us in a position where we’re getting games into some of the guys that haven’t had a lot of exposure to AFL footy, and that’s the beauty about getting injuries … we’ve been able to put a lot of games into our young players,” he mentioned.
“We’re starting to get some of our top-line players back which is nice, but the guys in the team currently are putting enormous pressure on to hold their spots and that’s where we need it to be … that’s what is going to drive our group forward.
“I’m sure that will make us a better group towards the back end of the year and beyond.”
He mentioned ruckman Kieren Briggs had been a shining gentle after overcoming “a couple of little niggles” within the pre-season to win a spot within the aspect.
“He’s really good around the contest with his clearance work, but his ability to get the ball on the outside, finish his work … he plays like a little bloke around the ground as well,” Kingsley mentioned.
“We’ve been rapt with his development … he’s played less than 30 games, he’s only going to get better I would think.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
