The GIANTS will host the Crows at UNSW Canberra Oval in their second and final JLT Community Series match.
In the final big hit out before the season proper, GIANTS Media takes a look ahead at the upcoming contest.
Winning form is good form
It’s a well-known fact you can’t read too much into pre-season form, but you’d still rather be playing well at this time of year than not.
The GIANTS hit the ground running in their opening JLT match against the Swans, booting five goals to nil in the opening quarter in a stark turnaround from the practice match eight days earlier.
There was plenty to like all around the ground, from what the GIANTS’ top picks from the 2018 NAB AFL Draft – Jye Caldwell and Jackson Hately – showed, to the scintillating form of Stephen Coniglio (35 disposals) and Tim Taranto (33) through the midfield, Daniel Lloyd’s three goals, and the blistering start to Zac Williams’ game (not dissimilar to what he produced in the 2018 elimination final against the same opponents).
More GIANTS stars to return
While the GIANTS’ team won’t be named until 6.20pm on Thursday, there are more big names eager for their first hit-out of 2019, as indicated last week.
Toby Greene, Josh Kelly and Adam Tomlinson are in the frame for selection.
It is great news for the club, following the return of veterans Heath Shaw and Brett Deledio last week with the duo expected to take to the field again on Friday night.
The enemy camp
The Crows were one of the form teams of the opening weekend of the JLT Series, recording a 17-point win against their arch-rivals Port Adelaide.
Crows midfielders Matt Crouch, Brad Crouch and Rory Sloane picked up 89 disposals between them, while dangerous forward Eddie Betts booted four goals.
Adelaide is expected to field an even stronger line up, with Bryce Gibbs (shoulder) and Daniel Talia (knee) expected to travel to Canberra.
With a strong performance behind them, the Crows loom as a tough prospect, even on the GIANTS’ home turf.
Recent history
The GIANTS’ made huge strides last season, defeating the Crows in both encounters.
They’d only defeated Adelaide once previously – at Sydney Showground Stadium in 2015 – but in round 11 scored their first win against the Crows in South Australia, in what turned out to be a season-defining match as it wrenched the GIANTS’ form back on the right track.
The 14.13 (97) to 11.15 (81) match was followed by another victory at UNSW Canberra Oval in round 21.
The GIANTS triumphed 15.16 (106) to 13.14 (92) on that occasion, with great performances from Whitfield (30 disposals) and Callan Ward (27; 16 contested) helping the result.
How to watch it
Head to UNSW Canberra Oval to see it in person. All the info you need about timings and how to get there is here. For those travelling by bus, transport is free on regular Transport Canberra Bus services upon presentation of a game ticket to the driver, while there will also be some free chartered bus services operated by Q-City Transport. For more information, head to the Transport Canberra article here.
For those not attending the game, Fox Footy will broadcast the match. It can also be viewed on AFL.com.au and the Official AFL App with an AFL Live Pass subscription.
In a nutshell
What: JLT Community Series match against Adelaide Crows
Where: UNSW Canberra Oval
Date: Friday, March 8
When: 7.10pm
Tickets: Purchase through Ticketek.
Broadcast: Fox Footy, the AFL Official App and website with an AFL Live subscription.
