Match Information:
GIANTS v Eagles
Saturday, October 7 at 1:05pm
Blacktown International Sportspark | Darug Country
State of Play:
While the GIANTS are yet to sing the song in season 2023, they’ve put forward several encouraging performances against some of the best sides in the competition.
In a tough opening to their campaign, the GIANTS have already played each of the top three sides this season in Melbourne (1st), Adelaide (2nd), and North Melbourne (3rd), as well a clash with last year’s semi-finalist Richmond.
Despite not getting rewarded on the scoreboard just yet, the GIANTS remain upbeat as they search for more consistency across four quarters in aim of their first win of the season.
In their most recent outing against the Kangaroos at Arden Street Oval on Sunday, the GIANTS once again showed a number of positive signs but ultimately fell short by 30 points against one of the premier sides in the competition.
Showing the exciting and improved ball movement being implemented by coach Cam Bernasconi, the GIANTS’ ability to run and counter from the back half was on display on several occasions but often went unrewarded.
While they were able to address their issue of fourth-quarter fadeouts against the ‘Roos, conceding just two goals in a more consistent final-term performance, the GIANTS will now be hoping they can address their inside-50 entries against the Eagles on Saturday to give their attack the best chance of kicking a winning score.
The Opposition:
The Eagles will be flying high into Blacktown on Saturday following their first win of the season in a tight clash with Port Adelaide last week.
After a tough month to open the season, with losses to Fremantle, Gold Coast, Carlton, and Sydney, the Eagles got to sing the song at home in Perth last Friday with a 6.3 (39) to 4.9 (33) win over the Power.
With no more than a goal separating the sides at each change, the Eagles showed composure in the dying minutes with a number of uncontested marks helping to run out the clock and register a gritty six-point win.
The win, which snapped a 10-match losing streak following over from last season, was led by Eagles skipper Emma Swanson who starred in her 50th AFLW game.
Swanson finished her milestone match with 24 disposals, four clearances and 394 metres gained to inspire her side to a drought-breaking victory.
The GIANTS’ ability to restrict the Eagles’ skipper on Saturday in Blacktown will be crucial in their bid to claim their first win of the season.
Recent History:
The last time the two sides did battle it was the Eagles who claimed victory, registering a 2.4 (16) to 1.3 (9) upset win over the GIANTS at GIANTS Stadium.
In their first-ever win in New South Wales, the Eagles responded well from their 52-point loss to Essendon the week prior to claim a well-fought seven-point win in what at times was a fiery contest.
Alyce Parker (26 disposals, seven clearances) and Jodie Hicks (21 disposals) led the way for the GIANTS while Eagles’ skipper Emma Swanson (23 disposals and a goal) was the visitor’s best.
GIANTS Player to Watch:
GIANTS star Alyce Parker has taken her game to another level this season which is remarkable considering the tough ball magnet has won the club’s past four club champion awards and already sits firmly amongst the competition’s best players.
While it’s yet to correlate with a win, Parker has done everything she can for her side to date this season, averaging 25.6 disposals, 5.8 tackles and 5.8 clearances per game across the first half of the season.
Ranked ninth in the competition in disposals per game, Parker is in rare form across the past fortnight in particular, with two personal best outings.
After registering a new career-high 31 touches against the Crows in round four, the gun midfielder eclipsed that mark with 34 disposals against the Kangaroos on Sunday.
In the Mix:
With no injuries to come out of last week’s clash with North Melbourne, the GIANTS will have no forced changes this week as they look to compile a 21 capable of taking down the Eagles on Saturday.
Rene Caris, Tess Cattle and Jasmine Grierson could all come into contention to take on West Coast after being named as emergencies last round.
Team Selection:
The GIANTS will name their round six team at 6:20pm on Thursday at gwsgiants.com.au.
Rehab Report:
Get a full injury update ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Eagles here.
Where to Watch:
The GIANTS’ round six clash with the Eagles will be shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo nationally and on 7Mate in NSW and the ACT from 1pm on Saturday.
Social Media:
Follow the GIANTS’ brand new Instagram account, @GWSGIANTSAFLW, and be part of the #BigBigSound in 2023.
