Free-flowing, high-powered and extremely dangerous; it’s the season where Greater Western Sydney has made the leap everyone predicted would come sooner rather than later, and North faces a tough task on Saturday night.

The fast track at Etihad Stadium seems to suit the Giants, who have won five of their last seven matches at the venue, with both their victories in 2016 featuring high scores.

Only one side has scored more total points than GWS this season, with slick ball movement a feature.

In the defensive side of the ground, the Giants’ half-backs often kick-start possession chains. While Heath Shaw is a familiar sight to all AFL fans, the names of Nathan Wilson and Zac Williams may not register quite as easily.

The pace of Wilson and Williams has often broke apart opposition defences, and such is the Giants’ depth that the former was omitted for Round 21, before coming back in last week’s victory against Fremantle.

The veteran Shaw has had arguably a career-best season, this his 11th campaign at the age of 30. No-one in the competition has had as many kicks as his 446, coming at an average of more than 21 per game.

Through the midfield, the depth the Giants have is another key reason for their excellent season so far.

While Stephen Coniglio (575 disposals in 2016) and Dylan Shiel (562) lead the way, the threat doesn’t stop there.

Callan Ward, Tom Scully and Josh Kelly – the latter the son of former Roo, Phil – have played every game this year, making five top-quality midfielders who would undoubtedly get a game at just about every AFL club.

Up forward, Jeremy Cameron (48 goals) and Jonathon Patton (29 goals) occupy the first two key position slots, with Rory Lobb (26 goals) also filling a unique role.

To typecast Lobb as the standard third tall/second ruck player would be doing the 206-centimetre, 102-kilogram 23-year-old a disservice.

Extremely athletic for his size, it hasn’t been an uncommon sight to see Lobb starting on the wing at centre bounces, creating a matchup nightmare.

Of course, there is the wildcard of how Saturday night affects Week 1 of the finals series. It may mean we see some different setups from both sides with the chance they meet again a fortnight later.

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