Season preview - GWS

Essential information
Coach: Kevin Sheedy (28th season)
Debut season

Players with AFL experience:
Dean Brogan (from Port Adelaide, 174 games), Chad Cornes (Port Adelaide, 239), Phil Davis (Adelaide, 18), James McDonald (Melbourne, 251), Setanta O'Hailpin (Carlton, 80), Rhys Palmer (Fremantle, 53), Luke Power (Brisbane, 282), Sam Reid (Western Bulldogs, 10), Tom Scully (Melbourne, 31), Callan Ward (Western Bulldogs, 60)



Players to watch
Israel Folau: Not a huge surprise to feature the hulking NRL centre cum AFL centre-half forward. Has alternated between looking quite capable and looking completely lost in pre-season games. AFL would hope for a dry night Saturday to give Folau best chance to exhibit his skills. Broke fellow drawcard Tom Scully's jaw on weekend to keep all attention focused on himself.
Callan Ward: One of the few Giants recruits in the prime of their career, Ward will standout like a beacon in the midfield, which consists mostly of teenagers and geriatrics. Highly rated as a player and leader. Perhaps why he was poached from the Bulldogs, who viewed him as a future captain.

Question to ask GWS supporters:

• When do you become an AFL fan?
• How long until the Giants challenge for the flag?

Questions not to ask:

• You do know it's and AFL team and not a rugby team right?
• What's with the jumpers? Looks like road safety gear.

Prediction: I've been a bit vague with my predictions thus far, but there is no doubt about where GWS will end up in season one. But that's not to say it's all doom and gloom this year, as the Giants seem to be further advanced than the Suns were last year in their debut season. The recruiting of steady and experienced players, including a number of key position players, is better idea than going after one big fish and may help the Giants be more competitive than you'd think. Expect a season similar to the Gold Coast's debut season. Wooden Spooners