1. Jeremy Cameron
Cameron has kicked 33 goals this season, an astounding effort in a side which is still winless. The Giants tend to give the youngster a lot of room in their forward 50, with the remaining forwards starting higher up the ground before pushing back to the fall of the ball.
It means his likely matchup in Scott Thompson will likely be left one-out on numerous occasions during the game. Adding to that, the other defenders and midfielders will have to work back quickly to give Thompson the required support to keep his opponent quiet.
2. First quarters
The Giants’ defensive efforts are at their strongest in the first quarter, with fewer points conceded than any of the other three terms. It also works offensively as well, with the younger legs able to burst out of the gates full of energy.
Against Geelong the Giants kicked the first five goals through being able to win the ball and spread from contests quickly.
3. Last quarters
Geelong was able to regroup by keeping pace with the Giants before hitting the scoreboard hard in the final term. Statistics show the final term is the Giants’ worst defensively, which should give North confidence if it does find itself in a dogfight at the final break.
Greater Western Sydney’s youngsters move the ball quickly as often as possible during the early stages of games. While it will be ominous in future years, currently the miles aren’t in the legs to sustain it over a full 120 minutes, meaning more often than not, the last quarter is where it begins to drop off.
4. Riding out momentum
A signature of the Giants when they do have momentum is the ability to kick goals in quick time. Against Essendon it leapt to a substantial lead very early and it took the Bombers the majority of the afternoon to reel the visitors back.
North has experienced issues being able to hold off opponents when they have the better of the play. It will be a good test for the group if they do find themselves battling early to fight their way out of it and register win number five for the season.
