Land of the Giants
Premiership Player
What a great win against Collingwood. Definitely not one for the faint-hearted, but then, we all had practice with that kind of tension in the Preliminary Final, didn’t we? 
I want to make special mention of Toby’s performance. That goal he kicked in the second quarter was exceptional, the sort of talent that deserves to be rewarded with a premiership. I hope it happens for him.
We asked a simple question last week - where was the Giants team of Round 1? Well, they seem to be back, and it wasn't just the return of missing stars that made a difference. The resolve was there. As well as Toby, Whitfield and Kelly were among our BOG; Ward kicked a great goal and looked right at home again, and it was no surprise that replacing Jacobs with Mumford worked so well. We are just a better team when he plays, it’s a chemistry thing.
Newcomer Tom Green showed maturity beyond his years in only his second game, and has a big future in front of him. Tom, please stay a Giant.
We now get a bit of a break before meeting the Hawks at home again next Sunday. It will be a real challenge in more ways than one, because Hawthorn (and perhaps Alistair Clarkson) well and truly had our measure last season, holding us to five and four goals in two really bad losses. In particular, the humiliation in round 21 was shocking and completely burst our Canberra bubble. It’s going to take a special effort to overcome recent history like that, because the Hawks will be full of confidence.
Unfortunately, the injury curse has struck again. Phil Davis and Zac Williams will be out with hamstring problems for a while, so we’re going to have to find a way to manage without them, but we were able to against Collingwood on short notice, so perhaps there’s no need to be unduly pessimistic. And apart from Adam Kennedy, there’s no ready replacements anyway.
In a sign that things are on the move, we might get something resembling a crowd. The NSW Government has partially relaxed attendance restrictions, so provided the resurgence of the virus in Victoria doesn’t travel up here, we’re allowed 5,000 people for this game, which is reasonable considering the circumstances. If you’ve no objections and have downloaded the COVID-19 app, please register for the ticketing ballot.
I think this game is going to be won at the coaching table. Can Leon out-coach Clarkson?
Thinking caps please.
I want to make special mention of Toby’s performance. That goal he kicked in the second quarter was exceptional, the sort of talent that deserves to be rewarded with a premiership. I hope it happens for him.
We asked a simple question last week - where was the Giants team of Round 1? Well, they seem to be back, and it wasn't just the return of missing stars that made a difference. The resolve was there. As well as Toby, Whitfield and Kelly were among our BOG; Ward kicked a great goal and looked right at home again, and it was no surprise that replacing Jacobs with Mumford worked so well. We are just a better team when he plays, it’s a chemistry thing.
Newcomer Tom Green showed maturity beyond his years in only his second game, and has a big future in front of him. Tom, please stay a Giant.
We now get a bit of a break before meeting the Hawks at home again next Sunday. It will be a real challenge in more ways than one, because Hawthorn (and perhaps Alistair Clarkson) well and truly had our measure last season, holding us to five and four goals in two really bad losses. In particular, the humiliation in round 21 was shocking and completely burst our Canberra bubble. It’s going to take a special effort to overcome recent history like that, because the Hawks will be full of confidence.
Unfortunately, the injury curse has struck again. Phil Davis and Zac Williams will be out with hamstring problems for a while, so we’re going to have to find a way to manage without them, but we were able to against Collingwood on short notice, so perhaps there’s no need to be unduly pessimistic. And apart from Adam Kennedy, there’s no ready replacements anyway.
In a sign that things are on the move, we might get something resembling a crowd. The NSW Government has partially relaxed attendance restrictions, so provided the resurgence of the virus in Victoria doesn’t travel up here, we’re allowed 5,000 people for this game, which is reasonable considering the circumstances. If you’ve no objections and have downloaded the COVID-19 app, please register for the ticketing ballot.
I think this game is going to be won at the coaching table. Can Leon out-coach Clarkson?
Thinking caps please.
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