GAME 1

GWS GIANTS 0.11.7 (73) def. by Western Bulldogs 1.13.17 (104)

The GIANTS kicked the first two goals of the game in Canberra against the run of play, with the Dogs kicking six behinds before registering their first major. The Dogs led by 19 points at the main change and went on with it thereafter. There were some promising signs from the young GIANTS, who were without the likes of co-captains Phil Davis and Callan Ward along with Shane Mumford, Heath Shaw, Ryan Griffen, Steve Johnson, Dylan Shiel and Jeremy Cameron.Young 206cm ruckman Rory Lobb was a big target up forward, booting two goals and taking a handful of strong grabs while experienced forward Rhys Palmer led the way with 20 disposals. Stand-in skipper Stephen Coniglio was tireless through the middle, booting two goals of his own, while Josh Kelly and Nathan Wilson provided plenty of run off half-back. James Stewart chimed in with two late goals while Will Hoskin-Elliott made the most of his opportunities to get on the end of two majors as well.

GAME 2

GWS GIANTS 0.14.10 (94) def. Sydney Swans 1.8.3 (60)

A strong GIANTS outfit showed their class in a commanding win over their cross-town rivals. Steve Johnson showed his recruitment might be a masterstroke for the GIANTS, the former Cat booting three goals and finishing the game with 17 quality possessions playing as a permanent forward. GWS started plenty of their attacking moves from deep in defence and their ball transition was electric with the likes of Heath Shaw, Zac Williams and Nathan Wilson linking brilliantly with midfielders Callan Ward, Ryan Griffen and Dylan Shiel in particular. Tall targets Adam Tomlinson and James Stewart were reliable targets for the winners.

GAME 3

GWS GIANTS 1.17.11 (122) def. Brisbane Lions 2.9.11 (83)

The GIANTS trailed by 17 points at quarter-time but kicked 11 goals to four in the next two terms to get on top in the greasy conditions at Metricon Stadium. Heath Shaw often played loose and controlled the game from half-back with his 29 disposals, while Josh Kelly (32 touches) was the highlight of a rounded midfield effort. Former Cat Steve Johnson only played a half but was brilliant and clearly the most dangerous forward on the field, kicking three goals. Jeremy Cameron also booted four of his own goals after half time. Dylan Shiel (26), Callan Ward (23) and Ryan Griffen (24) were all strong, while Jack Steele (26 touches and 11 tackles) also put in an eye-catching display. 

WHAT WE LEARNED - by AFL Media's Adam Curley

Leon Cameron has key position talent by the bucket-load

The GIANTS coach might have some headaches choosing his side this year. With Jeremy Cameron, Rory Lobb, Adam Tomlinson, James Stewart and Jon Patton up forward and Phil Davis, Joel Patfull, Aidan Corr and Caleb Marchbank down back – along with Nick Haynes soon to return - it's a nice worry to have. 

Speed is a killer, and GWS have plenty of it 

GWS showed during the first half of last season their speed on the spread would be tough to counter, as shown by their round six win over Hawthorn. This year looks to be no different, with midfielders Ryan Griffen, Dylan Shiel and Devon Smith possessing plenty of pace.

The AFL's 'Young GIANTS' are no more 

Led by tough co-captain Callan Ward, the GIANTS' players have openly spoken about their desire to shake the tag and be considered genuine contenders. The manic tackling pressure and selfless footy on display during the NAB Challenge is that of a team hungry for respect and results. 

NEW FACES

The first NAB Challenge match agains the Bulldogs gave Leon Cameron a chance to see some of his younger brigade with Phil Davis, Callan Ward, Shane Mumford, Heath Shaw, Ryan Griffen, Steve Johnson, Dylan Shiel and Jeremy Cameron all missing. Academy draftees Jacob Hopper and Matthew Kennedy didn't make a massive impact, but Hopper's clearance work from centre bounces was solid. Small forward Jarrod Pickett showed he's got some tricks, while Jeremy Finlayson did some nice things in defence. New recruit Dawson Simpson made a good contest in the ruck and young utility Pat McKenna will be better for his first taste of the top level.

VETERANS

It was the Steve Johnson show in the NAB Challenge. Fans had to wait until NAB 2 to see the former three-time premiership Cat in action after 253 games and 452 goals for Geelong. The 32-year-old showed he still has plenty to offer with six goals in six quarters. In his first outing against the Swans it was vintage Stevie J as he played on after a mark and dribbled through his first goal in his new colours. In classic fashion, he then missed an easy run into goal but followed it up by capitalising on a turnover and snapping from a near impossible angle. The third goal in his GIANTS debut was a gather and snap through the traffic deep in the forward 50. He followed it up with three goals in the first half against Brisbane before being rested for the remainder of the game. His first goal was a lucky one - coming from a downfield free kick - but the next two were all class, snapping truly off either foot from distance while others struggled. 

SURPRISE PACKET

Jack Steele was undoubtedly one of the stars of the NAB Challenge for the GIANTS. Playing all three games, Steele got better and better every week with 17 touches in his first game, 15 touches and three tackles against the Swans and then a close-to best-on-ground performance against the Lions where he picked up 26 touches and 11 tackles. After making his debut and playing seven games in 2015, the 20-year-old Academy product from Canberra has taken his game to another level this season. He was the number one contested ball-winner for the GIANTS, averaging 10 contested possessions a game across the NAB Challenge series.

INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS

It was almost a clean bill of health injury-wise for the GIANTS with the only scare coming when Shane Mumford didn’t return to the field after the first quarter in the match against the Swans. Sore in his reconstructed left ankle, the ruckman was cleared of any damage after the game and played the full match against the Lions, ready for round one. 

Stand-in captain Stephen Coniglio was limited to just one pre-season game - against the Bulldogs - after a slight hamstring twinge at training ahead of the Swans game. He wasn’t risked and was all set for the final NAB Challenge hit-out before tests showed he wasn’t quite completely recovered. With a two-week break before round one, the young mid should be right for the season opener. 

Young defender Jeremy Finlayson impressed in his first taste of AFL action against the Bulldogs but injury struck when he returned to the reserves side and suffered a lateral collateral ligament sprain in his right knee. No operation was required but the second-year GIANT will be sidelined for the next 3-5 weeks.

The NAB Challenge also saw the successful return of Dylan Shiel (knee), Phil Davis (hamstring) and Tom Scully (shoulder) from the injuries that saw them miss the end of the 2015 season.

Suspensions-wise, things were all clear until the third quarter of the final NAB Challenge match when Jeremy Cameron was reported for making high contact with Lion Rhys Mathieson after he had disposed of the ball. Cameron has been referred directly to the Tribunal for engaging in rough conduct with a verdict on whether he will miss the beginning of the season to be determined on Tuesday night.

READY FOR ROUND ONE?

Cameron’s potential suspension is the only possible black mark on a very successful NAB Challenge series for the club. The first game was a loss but it was a very young GIANTS outfit against a close to full-strength Western Bulldogs side. The other two performances were impressive displays and convincing wins with the game against the Swans arguably some of the best football the GIANTS have ever played. Some young GIANTS got a chance to play some senior footy while all the stars got reasonable game time ahead of round one. The backline looks very settled with co-captain Phil Davis leading the way and a noticeably slimmer Ryan Griffen has moved back into the midfield and is finding plenty of the ball. Rory Lobb has been a strong support for Mummy in the ruck and playing as a deep forward. The result of Cameron’s tribunal hearing could determine the make up of the GIANTS’ tall forwards with Lobb, Adam Tomlinson and James Stewart both in the mix and Jonathon Patton pushing his case after two strong performances in the NEAFL trial matches. Melbourne went through their NAB Challenge campaign undefeated and showed some promising signs as they re-build. Both sides will be looking forward to what will be a tough and tight opening to the season at the MCG on March 26.