Summary
It was another year of development for the young Giants. They picked up fewer victories in season two (just the single win in 2013 compared to two in 2012) but undoubtedly made strides in other areas. Jeremy Cameron was the star, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel, Adam Treloar, Tom Scully, Tim Mohr, Adam Tomlinson, Curtly Hampton and Nick Haynes improved and Lachie Whitfield was a worthy No.1 draft pick. The off-season will be critical, however, as the Giants attempt to add experience to their exciting core.
What worked
Naming Scully as vice-captain was a masterstroke. He took the role seriously and emerged as a leader. He and Ward spent time in the backline at times, which also aided their development. Hampton is settling as a defender and starting to show how damaging he can be, while Rhys Palmer's shift into a defensive forward role was another excellent move before injury ended his year early.
What failed
The recruitment of Bret Thornton and, to a lesser extent, Stephen Gilham. Thornton made 188 appearances for Carlton and Gilham won a flag with Hawthorn before both made the shift to western Sydney ahead of the 2013 season. For a team crying out for defensive help and some experienced bodies, particularly in defence, Thornton played just one senior game in round five. Gilham was better, making 13 appearances, but he was regularly dropped and was never able to cement a place in the line-up.
Surprise packet
Palmer came to Sydney with a big contract and a Rising Star award from his time at Fremantle, putting some pressure on from the start. His first season was reasonable, but a move forward helped him dramatically in year two. Playing a similar nullifying role to Swan Craig Bird, he averaged nearly 17 touches and five marks, adding nine goals from his 11 games before injury struck. Unmistakably talented, high draft picks Tomlinson and Haynes also made quantum leaps forward in 2013.
Lachie Plowman, Devon Smith and Jeremy Cameron celebrate a goal against the Cats. Picture AFL Media
Disappointment
Toby Greene had a tough act to follow after a record-breaking rookie year punctuated by enormous possession numbers and a runner-up in the club best and fairest. Facing far more defensive pressure, his numbers dipped and his disposal efficiency left plenty to be desired. Giving him a tagging role failed to make a difference and he was dropped in round 14. Stephen Coniglio was also a little inconsistent, while another knee injury to Jon Patton just three weeks into the season was a tough blow for the young key forward.
MVP: Jeremy Cameron
Best rookie/first year player: Lachie Whitfield
Best win: Melbourne, round 19.
Low point: The 129-point loss to the Swans in round 16. The season-opener between the teams was an admirable 30-point defeat, but this one was totally uncompetitive. The Giants bounced back quickly with strong efforts against Essendon and Collingwood before knocking off the Demons.
What needs to improve
The backline. With Phil Davis missing nine weeks with a back injury and Chad Cornes unable to play all season, the defensive unit struggled mightily and desperately needs help. Mohr was an exception, but some experienced, big-bodied defenders should be the top priority. While the club got nine games from Dean Brogan, which was more than expected, Jonathan Giles had a tough second season and also needs help in the ruck.
Who's done: Chad Cornes (retired), Dean Brogan (retired)
What they need
Barely a day went by without a Buddy Franklin story over his constant links with GWS and he would obviously provide an enormous lift in terms of publicity, membership and ticket sales, on top of his goalkicking. But the forward line is the least of the Giants' worries. Defence and the ruck are the obvious areas that need help, while some experienced bodies in the midfield would also be a benefit. Taylor Adams had a strong finish to the season, but he remains out of contract and could be used to help orchestrate a trade, with Tom Bellchambers, Dale Thomas and Shaun Hampson among the names mooted.
Luke Darcy says
"They need to recruit and trade for a good young ruckman. Their list is devoid of that. Do they try to get a (Tom) Bellchambers? Do they try to get (Shaun) Hampson or (Robert) Warnock?"
