The GWS Giants currently sit 11th on the AFL ladder, sharing the same number of victories as North Melbourne. Despite a series of disappointing defeats, they have consistently managed to rise to the occasion against top teams. In a remarkable comeback, the Giants recovered from a 39-point deficit to secure a 12.14 (86) to 11.7 (73) win over Geelong on Saturday. Should they maintain this level of performance, they could not only influence the finals series but potentially embark on a deep finals run themselves.
When asked about the Giants’ status as contenders, Cats coach Chris Scott responded, “I haven’t analysed their season.” At the commencement of his press conference, he had scrutinized the statistics before crumpling the sheet into a ball. It seemed to convey that “the only statistic that mattered tonight was the number of my players being taken out of Olympic Park in an ambulance” The injuries were significant, with Tanner Bruhn suffering a neck injury, Jack Henry hurting his throat, and Jeremy Cameron needing a wheelchair by the end of the match.
All three Geelong players remained under medical observation in Sydney following the game. Cameron had struggled through the previous week’s match against Brisbane, but appeared in better form against the Giants, often teaming up with his close friend Toby Greene and earning numerous possessions while drifting back.
Geelong started strong, with the Giants’ defense feeling the pressure as if they were Australian batsmen facing Jasprit Bumrah. Each time the Giants’ players appeared to falter, coach Adam Kingsley would turn to the nearest teammate, throw his arms wide, and exclaim, “the fuck are we doing?” However, as Geelong’s players began to fall, the Giants intensified their efforts.
The Giants have an impressive track record against Geelong, winning five consecutive matches and eight of their last ten encounters. They possess a wealth of what Kingsley refers to as “turn and burn” players—hybrid athletes who excel in both speed and endurance, progressively outpacing their opponents as the game continues.
Two months ago, GWS found themselves in a difficult position, having lost to West Coast and narrowly escaping defeat against Essendon while grappling with injuries and being forced out of their home ground. However, they have since demonstrated their capability by scoring 14 goals against Brisbane in a single quarter, defeating Melbourne in Alice Springs, overpowering Fremantle, and now besting Geelong—teams that are all contenders for finals success and potential premierships this season.
With limited rotations, the Cats struggled against the Giants’ relentless pressure in the final quarter. Finn Callaghan, who had been closely marked by Oisin Mullin throughout the game, skillfully soccered the ball off the ground, allowing it to curve along the boundary before setting up Callum Brown for a goal that gave the Giants the lead. Moments later, Callaghan eluded his Irish opponent once more to secure the victory.
Following the match, Kingsley remained composed and measured, striving to downplay the significance of the result. He understands his team’s tendencies too well to assume they can replicate such performances weekly. However, it is clear that they have evolved beyond being just a team that disrupts others; they are now a squad capable of a sustained finals campaign.
Last week, after the Giants triumphed over Fremantle, Dockers coach Justin Longmuir had refrained from overreacting. A quiet Saturday afternoon in Canberra starkly contrasted with the chaos of Optus Stadium. But his composure was tested when his team failed to score in the first half against Sydney, prompting him to smash his phone, collect his thoughts, and regroup.
The third quarter of that match is likely regarded as one of the most thrilling in recent memory. After a goal-less first half, the Dockers surged within 45 seconds of the second half, leading to a dominant performance. For a period, their main concern was that every goal they scored was quickly matched by Swans key forward Charlie Curnow, until the Dockers eventually claimed a resounding 15.21 (111) to 10.13 (73) victory.
The top-of-the-table clash between the Dockers and the Swans could have easily turned into an anticlimactic encounter, where both teams showcased some skills but held back many strategies. Coming off a loss to the Giants and with only a five-day break, Fremantle could have opted for a conservative approach, accepted a loss, and maintained confidence in securing two home finals while preparing for a serious challenge against Sydney in September. Instead, both teams approached the game as if it were a final, with one team in particular demonstrating their credentials as a genuine grand finalist.
Questions regarding the Dockers’ strengths, weaknesses, and overall capabilities continue to arise. Perhaps insights were gained in Canberra against the Giants or during the first half against the Swans. Yet, every time doubts emerge, Longmuir addresses them, and his Dockers consistently respond positively.
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