A reformed game plan will be the reason why the GIANTS make the finals for just the second time in its history, according to their new AFLW coach Cameron Bernasconi.
The GIANTS were part of season one of the AFLW setup and as they get ready for their season seven opener against the Western Bulldogs at Ikon Park on Sunday, their debutant coach is confident they’ll be back in the finals mix for the first time since the 2020 season where they lost to Melbourne by three points in their first final.
“This footy club, the goal is always finals footy. The thing we’ve addressed is being able to score more. Our defence has held up fine we just need to double down on what we do when we have the footy,” Bernasconi said.
“We need a clear method so you’re not just relying on talent to kick goals - you’ve actually got a genuine system. That’s something the playing group has really bought into."
Captain Alicia Eva has been at the club for six of its seven seasons and steps into her fourth campaign as skipper. As part of the coaching staff of the men’s team, Eva looms as a prominent figure once more as the GIANTS push for a top eight place.
“She’s so influential. I’ve been blessed with the captain of this footy club. Her respect within this program but also the entire AFLW community, Alicia is just such a hard worker and just loves the game,” Bernasconi said.
“In leadership, high empathy is important - you have to genuinely care, and she cares about this program as much as anyone.
“Yes, she’s a quality coach in her own right in the AFL system but what I’ve been loving about her is she’s training really well and her footy is the priority. I think she’ll play an important role for us in the midfield as well.”
As the AFLW continues to go from strength to strength, the GIANTS are adamant the club's women’s program can have a huge impact on their burgeoning club.
“It’s still early in our history at the GIANTS,” Bernasconi said.
“Something that’s exciting in the AFLW space is that we jumped in year one and had the courage to take that license and it feels like we’ve implemented some people who are so important to our program.”
“As a footy club the best thing about the GIANTS is that each year we play a huge part in creating history and across the AFLW program we’re all striving for that first chance of success.”
The GIANTS take on the Western Bulldogs in the season opener at IKON Park on Sunday at 12:10pm.
