CARLTON returns to Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon to host a rampant Greater Western Sydney outfit.
With just one loss in the last two months, here’s everything you need to know about the in-form Giants.
OVERVIEW
Ladder position: 5th
Won: 11
Drawn: 1
Lost: 5
Form: WLWWW
Average points for: 85
Average points against: 75
Leading goalkickers: Jeremy Cameron (35), Zac Langdon (18), Harry Himmelberg (18), Ryan Griffen (14), Stephen Coniglio (14)
AGE BREAKDOWN FOR SUNDAY (CARLTON IN BRACKETS)
Players aged 18-21: 4 (10)
Players aged 22-25: 10 (4)
Players aged 26-29: 6 (4)
Players aged 30+: 2 (4)
FORM
GWS enters this Round 20 fixture as one of the in-form sides in the competition, if not the most.
After a slow start to the season which saw them win four of their first 10 games (including a draw), the Giants have flicked the switch since a loss to Essendon.
Now sitting fifth in the competition, the Giants have won seven of their last eight games, with their only defeat being a narrow one against West Coast in Perth.
Their scalps have included Hawthorn, a two-point victory against Richmond and away wins against Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
INJURY WATCH
The Giants were dealt a triple injury blow on Thursday night, with Dylan Shiel (ankle), Tim Taranto (knee) and Sam Reid (knee) all ruled out.
Shiel in particular has enjoyed games against Carlton in the past, receiving five Brownlow votes from his last two games against the Blues.
Ryan Griffen still hasn’t recovered from the hamstring strain which kept him out of the win over St Kilda, although Matt De Boer returns following an ankle injury.
GAME STYLE
GWS loves having the game on its terms, controlling possession and dictating the play.
The Giants are ranked fourth for total disposals across the competition, which largely comes to fruition by their ability to win the ball at the coalface.
The fifth-placed Giants are ranked second for clearance differential, despite being in the bottom six in the AFL for hitouts.
What has been understated for the Giants this year is their miserly defence. They are third-best in the competition at denying their opponents a score when the ball heads inside 50.
THE QUERY
The Giants’ ability to win and maintain possession of the ball is typified by Lachie Whitfield (seventh), Callan Ward (18th) and Stephen Coniglio (19th) all in the top 20 for total disposals.
However, just as critical to GWS’ midfield make-up are Shiel and Taranto, who won’t be out there on Sunday.
The pairing are ranked third and fourth respectively for clearances: additionally, Shiel is the most-prolific Giant for sending the ball inside 50, while Taranto is ranked first for tackles.
While GWS’ midfield bats as deep as anyone, how it goes without two of its bulls will be interesting viewing.
THE DANGERMEN
The Giants’ big boost comes in the form of No.1 forward Jeremy Cameron, who has been named to play after the end of his five-week suspension.
The highly talented key forward has 35 goals from 12 games this season, but had his season brought to a halt when he was suspended for intentionally striking Harris Andrews.
His average of 3.6 goals per game against Carlton is his fourth-best record against any opposition. He was well-held in Round 12 last year, however, when he finished with 11 disposals and a goal.
The Blues will need to keep a close watch on returning forward Jeremy Cameron. (Photo: AFL Media)
FINAL WORDS FROM THE OPPOSITION
GWS senior coach Leon Cameron said the midfield battle would be crucial for both sides as his team looks to continue its winning ways.
“They’ve got big bodies through there. Patrick Cripps is a beauty and obviously Matthew Kennedy — who was at our footy club last year — is a big boy,” Cameron said.
“They’ll have Murphy and Curnow roll through there and a number of others as well. The midfield challenge is always the great challenge.
“Our mids and ruck division are looking forward to taking on the Blues who were in good form last weekend.”
