Greater Western Sydney kicked its biggest first-quarter score in Saturday's win over Richmond, but coach Leon Cameron was more impressed with his team's defensive work after the first break.

GWS booted 8.3 to 0.1 to all but lock in the four points at the first change, and although the GIANTS only added another nine goals at Manuka Oval, they kept the hapless Tigers to just three for the entire match.

It was a scrappy contest over the final three quarters, but Cameron was rapt with the GIANTS’ performance.

"The edge we're looking for is our contested ball, around stoppages and our tackle pressure," Cameron said after the match.

"There's no doubt we have some ability to move the ball from the back end to the front end, and we feel that there's areas that are a bit better than others, but every week we work on those.

"There's no doubt in any game you're going to fluctuate up and down, but full credit to our 22, they kept on staying the cause.

"There were times when Richmond had some opportunities to hit the scoreboard, but I think our defence then lifted another level.

"That's the proudest I've been about our footy club, our boys want to play defence now, whereas two and a half years ago they probably couldn't spell it."

Tall forward Rory Lobb sent a major scare through the GIANTS’ camp when he landed awkwardly in a marking contest and rolled his left ankle late in the third quarter.

The West Australian leads the club for contested marks and provides handy backup in the ruck for star Shane Mumford, and was in a moon boot in the rooms after the match.

Cameron said Lobb would have scans in Sydney on Sunday to determine the extent of the injury.

"I don't think there's big concerns at the moment, but he's obviously a really important part of our structure," he said.

"We'll take no risks, hopefully he might be a chance to play next week."

Defender Nick Haynes was a late withdrawal from the Tigers clash with illness, but should be right to take on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium next week.