Adam Curley is a journalist writing for AFL.com.au.
In a nutshell
The GIANTS had far too many key players miss multiple games through injury, fought hard to make the finals, but came up short again because of some important lapses in a big final. Deja vu anyone?
What we said in the pre-season
We got it wrong in tipping Brett Deledio to lead the GIANTS' to
What worked
Lachie Whitfield as a defender
The wingman stepped in across
Harry Himmelberg's emergence inside 50
The former defender picked up where he left off last year and played every game, kicking 29 goals to sit second in the club's goalkicking.
Last year's recruiting
Mature-age forward Zac Langdon was a revelation, while Sam Taylor was a key member of the backline until he was injured late. Aiden Bonar and Brent Daniels also showed a bit at
What failed
Injury prevention
The GIANTS had some bad luck again, but Toby Greene, Brett Deledio, Ryan Griffen, Matt de Boer
Goalkicking accuracy
A return of 287.314 for the year at 43.9
Finals
On the big stage at the MCG the Pies kicked 3.6 to 0.2 in the first term and if not for their own poor finishing, the game would have been over at quarter-time. The GIANTS also failed to fire a shot with the game on the line in the final term.
Overall rating
C
Another solid season considering the missing stars, but it ultimately ended without success.
The coach
Leon Cameron took his club to a third straight finals campaign and had to do it the hard way again thanks to a constant battle to get his best team on the field. Made some important tactical moves in the GIANTS' elimination final win over Sydney. Out of contract at the end of 2020.
The leaders
Co-captains Phil Davis and Callan Ward continued to lead the GIANTS brilliantly, with both players integral members of the side both on and off the field. The pair works well together, and their form was outstanding.
MVP
Stephen Coniglio: The star midfielder was strangely left out of the All Australian squad but led the team for disposals, was ranked second in clearances and
Surprise packet
Lachie Whitfield: The elite runner averaged 26.8 possessions per game after being moved to half-back and was named All Australian, then starred during the finals when moved back to the midfield.
Get excited
Harry Himmelberg: The athletic swingman kicked 29 goals and didn't miss a game for the season, providing the GIANTS with a reliable and versatile target inside 50.
Disappointment
Toby Greene: It started with a broken toe in the off-season and was followed by hamstring and foot issues that limited the gun forward to just nine games for the year.
Best win
Round 11: GIANTS 14.13 (97) d. Adelaide 11.15 (81)
The GIANTS had lost four in a row when they went to Adelaide with their season on the line and came away with a famous victory after booting the last three goals of the game.
Best individual performance
Josh Kelly. Round 20 v Carlton
The star onballer dined out on the hapless Blues, with 41 touches, 16 inside
Low point
With their season on the line, the GIANTS gave up three goals in the first five minutes of the final term against Collingwood and blew a massive chance to make a third straight preliminary final.
The big questions
Will Dylan Shiel or another big name leave the club this year?
Is Rory Lobb the answer in the ruck or should Dawson Simpson get the gig to allow him to go forward?
Who will be the first GIANTS star to sign a new deal next season?
Season in a song
Everybody Hurts – R.E.M.
Who's done?
Retirements: Ryan Griffen
De-listings: Nil
Unsigned free agents: Tim Mohr
How should they approach trade and draft period?
The GIANTS targeted small forwards last year and picked up Zac Langdon and Brent Daniels but could just elect to get the best available talent this year. Academy big man Kieren Briggs is a likely prospect and will add ruck depth which they need.
Early call for 2019
Anything less than a return to the top four will be a failure and if they can get some long-awaited luck on the injury front, it's a certainty.
