1. Cameron loves the Suns
Jeremy Cameron came into the match with 35 goals from his 10 clashes with the Suns, and the star GIANT continued to torch the visitors at Spotless Stadium. Cameron was in everything and had nine first-term disposals but missed two good opportunities to hit the scoreboard. The 25-year-old fixed that issue when he booted three in the second quarter and walked in at half-time with 18
2. Lynch does not enjoy playing the GIANTS
The co-captain had booted just 15 goals in nine matches against the GIANTS and his opposite number Phil Davis cut him out of the action again. After being held goalless in last year's 102-point drubbing, Lynch managed just three touches and marks in the first half. Playing as a key forward in a team so out of form would be a nightmare for the 25-year-old, but he's got to find a way to have some presence and show some leadership for his younger teammates. He spent part of the second half on a wing trying to get into the game without success, and once again failed to kick a goal against the GIANTS.
3. GIANTS just can't escape their injury woes
An extensive injury list has hurt the GIANTS across the first half of the season, but they looked to be coming out the other side heading into round 12. That was until the curse came back to haunt them against the Suns. They lost Daniel Lloyd (knee) and Rory Lobb (rib) before half-time, while Dylan Shiel (ankle) and Lachie Whitfield (knee) were also hampered but managed to play out the match. Next week's bye couldn't have come at a better time for the GIANTS, and they'll be hoping the week off will help at least a couple of those players, along with absent vice-captain Stephen Coniglio (concussion), be ready for a trip to the Gabba to face Brisbane in round 14.
4. Why is Lyons wallowing in the NEAFL?
Former Adelaide midfielder Jarryd Lyons finished sixth in the best and fairest last season and averaged almost 24 touches and six tackles across the first nine games in 2018, before being surprisingly dropped. Coach Stuart Dew challenged the onballer this week to earn a recall to the senior side by dominating in the NEAFL, and Lyons responded with 37 possessions, six tackles and a goal in a heavy loss to the GIANTS. In a game where the Suns were destroyed in the clearances and contested possessions, you have to wonder why the man leading the club in both categories for the season, from just nine games, was running around in the curtain-raiser.
5. Stevie J's influence is lingering at the GIANTS
The triple premiership Cat may have crossed town to join the Sydney coaching staff when he retired at the end of last year, but it's clear Johnson's effect on the GIANTS forward line remains. Jonathon Patton, Jeremy Cameron and Daniel Lloyd all kicked goals in the first half against Gold Coast, and all three used the 'Stevie J kick' to calmly slot their set-shot majors with clever snaps around the body on their left foot. As a natural lefty, Cameron has done it plenty of times before, but the efforts of Patton and Lloyd would have made their former teammate proud.
