GWS 2013

[RustyCage]

LIST CHANGES IN THE OFF-SEASON:

Incoming: Stephen Gilham (Traded, Hawthorn), Lachie Whitfield, Jonathan O’Rourke, Lachie Plowman, Aidan Corr, Kristian Jaksch, James Stewart, Bret Thornton (Carlton), Joe Redfern, Zachary Williams

Outgoing: Stephen Clifton (delisted), Luke Power (retired), James McDonald (retired), Tim Segrave (delisted), Jack Hombsch (Traded, Port Adelaide), Rhys Cooyou (delisted), Israel Folau (retired)

Picks: 1 (Lachie Whitfield), 2 (Jonathan O’Rourke), 3 (Lachie Plowman), 12 (Kristian Jaksch), 14 (Aidan Corr), 27 (James Stewart), 63 (Passed), 67 (Passed), 83 (Promoted Rookie, Sam Frost), 97 (Promoted Rookie, Andrew Phillips)
Pre-Season: 1. (Bret Thornton, Carlton), 12. (Dean Brogan)
Rookies: 51. (Joe Redfern), 61. (Zachary Williams)

EXPECTATIONS:

The GWS Giants in season 2012 made an impressive start in terms of not getting blown out of the water and being competitive. The big thrashings didn’t take place until later on in the season, which can be seen as a positive for the Giants. Their off-season in terms of free agency and trading, many people may think was not that good but getting the services of a premiership defender Stephen Gilham for some much needed strength in defence and Bret Thornton who showed his presence as a forward threat in the later stages as a Carlton player. Being a third tall to Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Patton may just have an X-Factor about it. Their drafting was spot on also. They got exactly what they needed and a top up of key position players as well. Lachie Whitfield and Jonathan O’Rourke will be two big acquisitions to the Giants side and will play the majority of the year, as will most likely Lachie Plowman but expect Kristian Jaksch, Aidan Corr and James Stewart to be rotated in and out of the squad to give them time to develop. The Giants are aiming to win five to six games next season which is well within their capabilities with the amount of talent on their list.

WHERE THE GIANTS CAN BEAT OTHER SIDES:

The GWS Giants, much like the Gold Coast Suns need to focus on what they do right instead of focusing on how to stop the opposition. Of course there will still be a defensive game plan in place but the Giants attacking game is as good as any. They are exciting to watch and when they move the ball quickly and hit their targets. Going deep into the forward line with the likes of Cameron, Patton and now Bret Thornton, there’s plenty of players in that forward line that are capable of taking a big pack mark.

WEAKNESSES:

Again, much like their new rivals, the Gold Coast Suns, inconsistency will come with a young side. When coming up against the Giants, you don’t know which GWS side you’re going to get. With the recruit of Thornton, they do however have a mix of experience in each part of the ground now which is a positive step forward. Obviously the second year blues may have an impact on the Giants and we may still see some of the worst of the Giants before we see some of the better.

NEW RECRUITS:

Stephen Gilham – The 2008 Hawthorn premiership defender has never really been the same since. Injuries have taken toll on his body and therefore costing him to lose his spot in the formidable Hawthorn line up. He will be a walk up start for the Giants and give them some much needed experience in defence.

Bret Thornton – The former Blue fell out of favour with former Carlton coach Brett Ratten in 2012 and felt like he had to make the move. In late 2011, Thornton made a move forward where he seemed to have an impact. A strong contested mark and generally a nice kick, Thornton’s presence in the Giants forward line as a 3rd tall might prove as a masterstroke by the Giants recruiting team.

Lachie Whitfield – Was always going to go number one in the draft this season. The classy midfielder dominated at the 2011 Championships and even more at the 2012 Championships. Terrific user of the ball, both by hand and foot and is dual sided. As a dual All Australian, Whitfield is described as one of the best talents to come into the AFL in the last 10 years.

Jonathan O’Rourke – He models his game on Richmond captain Trent Cotchin and Collingwood superstar Scott Pendlebury and if O’Rourke can turn out just half as good as these two put together, then the Giants have one hell of a player on their hands. An efficiency rate of 78% through the championships, O’Rourke is composed and highly talented. He breaks the lines and if going into the forward 50, can be very dangerous.

Lachie Plowman – Missed the majority of the 20112 season with a dislocated elbow, Plowman still managed to show off his skills to recruiters to be picked up at number three by the Giants. Plowman isn’t the tallest key defender going around but the way he attacks the ball, attacks the play and the ability to outsmart his opponents is what makes him the best defender to come out of this draft pool.

Kristian Jaksch – The Oakleigh Charger is the second key defender that the Giants targeted in the draft. Jaksch, predominately a defender, can play at both ends of the ground. He was a part of the Oakleigh Chargers premiership and also the Vic Metro championship win.

Aidan Corr – Number three of three key defenders that the Giants picked up in the draft, the 17 year old Corr is a defender that spoils with intent and for a -man of size, is surprisingly athletic. Another defender that can also go forward, he also possess a strong overhead mark and shot for goal.

James Stewart – Stewart was eligible to be picked up by Collingwood under the father/son selection but the Magpies passed, allowing the Giants to snap up the lightly framed forward. Great agility for a 197cm forward and has terrific ball skills. Just another player that the Giants have picked up that can play at both ends of the ground.

Joe Redfern – Already in the sights of the Giants, Redfern was a scholarship holder with the Giants during the 2012 season. Redfern played with the Sydney Hills Eagles in the NEAFL in 2012 and had shoulder surgery earlier in the year.

Zachary Williams – Williams is a midfielder that is quite good a winning a contested football. A small but mature body on the young 18 year old, his ability to weave his way through packs and gain a clearance is first class. He was named the NSW/ACT Rams MVP in the Under 18 Championships averaging 17 possessions, half of them contested.

FINAL SAY:

The fear of the Giants suffering from similar second year blues like the Gold Coast Suns in 2012, in 2013, is quite high. In Kevin Sheedy’s final year of coaching and Leon Cameron waiting in the wings to take over in 2014, the Giants have the brains and experience to make sure that this doesn’t occur. The Giants have had another terrific off-season off the field and will be looking to improve in 2013. More wins than last year is what they should be looking at and shouldn’t be too disappointed if they don’t finish with their desired six wins. Their squad rotation will be high yet again in season 2013 and wouldn’t surprise many if all players on the list played at least a game during the season. Anything other than finishing on the bottom of the ladder should be considered a pass mark for the Giants, which with their young talented list, is more than capable of happening

[RustyCage]

Can anyone see GWS finishing ahead of anyone other than the Gold Coast?

[Jim05]

Can anyone see GWS finishing ahead of anyone other than the Gold Coast?

Port

[Turbo]

Can anyone see GWS finishing ahead of anyone other than the Gold Coast?

Port

Was thinking the same

[Spargo]

What price them not winning a game all season?

[Frosty]

Round 15 Saturday July 6 v Bulldogs - I reckon the Giants will win a close one

[RustyCage]

Think they will beat Melbourne too

[Jim05]

What price them not winning a game all season?

Everyone said that last year too

[Squids]

I can see them winning the same amount of games as last year.

[Booney]

What price them not winning a game all season?

Everyone said that last year too

Some people took the $2 on offer for them to win a game during 2012...

I really do expect them to improve quicker than GC.

[stan]

What price them not winning a game all season?

Everyone said that last year too

Some people took the $2 on offer for them to win a game during 2012...

I really do expect them to improve quicker than GC.

With 2012 and the 2011 draft picks I think so as well. 2012 draft was awesome for them. In a few years they will have something rediculas like 14 or 15 first round picks in there best 22. Imagine how good they can get. Of course next year will be tough but they get a gew sides again like Port or the Gold Coast.

[scoob]

What price them not winning a game all season?

Everyone said that last year too

Some people took the $2 on offer for them to win a game during 2012...

I really do expect them to improve quicker than GC.

With 2012 and the 2011 draft picks I think so as well. 2012 draft was awesome for them. In a few years they will have something rediculas like 14 or 15 first round picks in there best 22. Imagine how good they can get. Of course next year will be tough but they get a gew sides again like Port or the Gold Coast.

[Spargo]

Still no price though....

[cheetah]

Big fan of the new club! can they hold on to so many first round draft picks money wise? what conessions do they get and for how long?