Match Preview: GIANTS vs. Saints
By Bronte Kerr
The mornings are crisper. The nights cooler. It’s that time of the year again. Footy is back and we couldn’t be happier about it.
For many AFL clubs, the start of a new season holds new promises, a clean slate and a chance to cement themselves as fierce contenders for the 2015 season.
Fans, almost ritualistically, dig out their footy jumpers and scarves, either riding high off the success of previous years, or sitting in silent hope for a better year for their beloved boys.
This couldn’t be truer for the GIANTS and Saints who will both be looking to make a big impression when they meet on the big stage on Sunday afternoon.
The clash promises to be an exciting one, with the GIANTS boasting a new and improved list, while the Saints will be determined to silence pre- season predictions of finishing with the wooden spoon.
Nick Riewoldt celebrates a goal against the GIANTS during the 2014 season, Image: AFL Media.
The GIANTS
Expansion side GWS GIANTS have made great strides during the off- season, culminating in their impressive performance during the NAB Challenge.
1. A new and improved midfield
Looking to the midfield, the GIANTS will be strengthened by the likes of Tomas Bugg and Toby Green.
Highly regarded for his endurance and defensive pressure, Bugg finished third and fourth respectively in GWS’ pre- season time trials.
Signing with the GIANTS until 2018, on- baller Toby Greene is expected to emerge as a crucial player in the GIANTS developing midfield.
There’s no way we can talk about the GIANTS midfield without mention of Shane Mumford, whose contribution to the club is indisputable.
In his first season with the GIANTS, the big ruckman won the club champion award, the Kevin Sheedy Medal.
Saints ruckman Billy Longer has a big task ahead of him if he is to silence Mumford who averaged 36 hit- outs a game last season.
2. Dynamic Duo to grace the backline
GIANTS fans will have a lot to cheer about in terms of the backline, with Phil Davis extending his contract until the end of 2018.
The rough as guts co- captain has been training with a guard to prevent further damage to his kidneys, however is still expected have a massive impact in the opening rounds of the season.
Davis will be joined by dual Brisbane Lions best and fairest Joel Patfull who signed with the GIANTS during the 2014 NAB AFL Trade Period.
The 190 cm defender has rub shoulders with some of the most elite forwards in the competition and the GIANTS will benefit greatly from the added expertise he will bring to the backline.
3. Cameron to lead up front
Expectations are high for Jeremy Cameron, who put on a stunning display when he slotted five goals against the Bloods in the final round of the NAB Challenge.
Meanwhile, Swans Academy recruit and young gun Jack Steele will be looking to earn himself a permanent spot in the senior side.
The Canberra draftee has turned heads throughout the pre -season through his consistent work rate and leadership on and off the field.
Steele was rewarded for his commitment to the pre- season by being the only draftee to play for the GIANTS in the NAB Challenge.
Mumford dominates in the ruck during a clash against the SAINTS in 2014, Image: AFL Media
The Saints
Stakes are equally as high for the Saints who will look to defy all odds in spite of a difficult pre- season.
1. Riewoldt still in contention
The Saints have gone without Riewoldt throughout the pre- season, after the star forward took time off following the death of his younger sister.
Riewoldt is under no illusions about the hurdles he has to overcome in order for him to be fit and ready for the clash against the GIANTS.
“I’ve still got some boxes I need to tick from a physical and mental preparation side, but I’m on track,” the key forward said.
Inclusions for the rest of the Saints forward line rest firmly on the decision of whether or not to include Riewoldt in the opening side.
Young guns Paddy McCartin, Tom Lee and Spencer White are all fighting for the chance to play in the Saints forward line against the GIANTS.
The Saints forward line will be strengthened by the inclusion of off season recruit Tim Membery, who joined the Swans after two seasons in Sydney and one senior game under his belt.
2. Missing Montagna
Veteran midfielder Montagna has been added to the Saints injury list after scans revealed a torn medial meniscus in his left knee.
Montagna would have brought much needed expertise to a relatively young side, boasting an impressive 232 games of senior footy.
David Armitage, Maverick Weller, Jack Newnes and Luke Dunstan are all likely inclusions for the Melbourne side.
The Saints are yet to decide on which of their ruck men are up to the task of taking on the formidable Mumford.
While Longer is deemed the favourite, senior coach Alan Richardson has also suggested that Tom Hickey, Lewis Pierce and rookie Jason Holmes are all in consideration.
3. Injuries dampen backline
The Saints backline has come under scrutiny in recent years, with the team going down by margins greater than 70 in eight games last season.
The Saints reputation proceeded itself when they lost to Hawthorn by 106 points during the NAB Challenge.
Sam Fisher will be a vital cog in the Saints back line after recovering from soft tissue concerns throughout the pre- season.
The Saints will go without key defender Sam Gilbert who is set to miss the first six weeks of the 2015 season.
Where and When
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday April 5, 1.10pm AEST
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
Last Three Times
R2, 2014, St Kilda 15.5 (95) d GWS 13.10 (88) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2013, St Kilda 21.14 (140) d GWS 10.8 (68) at StarTrack Oval
R22, 2012, St Kilda 25.13 (163) d GWS 5.5 (35) at Etihad Stadium
Prediction
GIANTS by 25 points
While the Saints have history on their side, injuries and off- field pressures are likely to dampen the team’s performance against the GIANTS. On the other hand, the GIANTS want to rid themselves of the “new kids on the block” label and prove their worth in the opening clash.
