WesternSydneyHawk
Senior List
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2023
- Posts
- 172
- Reaction score
- 341
- AFL Club
- Hawthorn
In 2025, the Giants' season was a real tale of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
At their best, the GWS have looked like genuine contenders, with big wins against the likes of Geelong (twice), Collingwood, and Brisbane. That's three of the current top four, as well as Gold Coast.
They even managed to outplay Hawthorn in Launceston during the first half of their round 3 clash, before the Hawks clawed their way back for a narrow win.
Other weeks, the Giants only managed the narrowest of wins against what should have been far weaker sides. Just 3 points against Melbourne, and 3 points against Essendon.
And then it gets ugly. Losses to Port Adelaide in round 13 and the Swans in round 8. A 34 point loss to Freeo in round 10, and an 88 point thrashing by the Western Bulldogs in round 21.
The pattern appears to have continued into early 2026.
Opening round, the Giants absolutely spanked the Hawks at Engie, 19.8.122 to 14.11.95. Then just one week later, GWS copped an 81 point loss, again at the hands of the Bulldogs.
You watch the Giants at their best against the eventual premiers, and you think this team has to be a flag contender.
Then within weeks they'll either barely get over the line or lose to a team that's rebuilding.
Yes, GWS has a long injury list, and they'll be a powerhouse when everyone comes back.
But the team that showed such discipline against the Hawks was basically the same side that got mauled by the Doggies.
So why are the Giants been so inconsistent? Why such a big gap between their best and worst footy?
And if you were in Adam Kingsley's position, what would you do to get them playing at their best more often?
At their best, the GWS have looked like genuine contenders, with big wins against the likes of Geelong (twice), Collingwood, and Brisbane. That's three of the current top four, as well as Gold Coast.
They even managed to outplay Hawthorn in Launceston during the first half of their round 3 clash, before the Hawks clawed their way back for a narrow win.
Other weeks, the Giants only managed the narrowest of wins against what should have been far weaker sides. Just 3 points against Melbourne, and 3 points against Essendon.
And then it gets ugly. Losses to Port Adelaide in round 13 and the Swans in round 8. A 34 point loss to Freeo in round 10, and an 88 point thrashing by the Western Bulldogs in round 21.
The pattern appears to have continued into early 2026.
Opening round, the Giants absolutely spanked the Hawks at Engie, 19.8.122 to 14.11.95. Then just one week later, GWS copped an 81 point loss, again at the hands of the Bulldogs.
You watch the Giants at their best against the eventual premiers, and you think this team has to be a flag contender.
Then within weeks they'll either barely get over the line or lose to a team that's rebuilding.
Yes, GWS has a long injury list, and they'll be a powerhouse when everyone comes back.
But the team that showed such discipline against the Hawks was basically the same side that got mauled by the Doggies.
So why are the Giants been so inconsistent? Why such a big gap between their best and worst footy?
And if you were in Adam Kingsley's position, what would you do to get them playing at their best more often?
