1. The all-conquering GIANTS

After the thrilling last-ditch win against the Magpies a fortnight ago, the only team left for the GIANTS to conquer was West Coast. The GIANTS had won just once in Perth – against Fremantle last year – while the Eagles have lost at Domain Stadium just four times in their past 34 matches at the venue. What a time – with a raft of injuries and just a handful of fit players to choose from – for Leon Cameron's men to break their duck. Judging by the gusto with which they sang their team song, the GIANTS will rate this victory among their best. The GIANTS are making a statement with every win and with a stack of injured players to return at the pointy end of the season, it is scary to think how good this team could be.

MATCH REPORT

2. Injury list perhaps isn't a GIANT concern

The loss of Tom Scully pre-game to knee soreness only compounded the midweek announcement that Rory Lobb (groin) and Steve Johnson (knee) would be added to the GIANTS' enormous injury list. Their 'depth players', however, are proving more than able. Promising first-year academy recruit Harry Perryman was courageous and composed in defence, Daniel Lloyd kicked a crucial final-quarter goal and Harry Himmelberg looked dangerous as a key forward. Tim Mohr was also solid as a key defender, Tim Taranto is getting better with every showing and Matthew Kennedy played one of his best games. Following its bye in round 13, the GIANTS will be hopeful of adding courageous defender Nick Haynes and veteran midfielder Ryan Griffin to the starting 22, while Lobb, Johnson and Jacob Hopper are a possibility to return sooner. Until then, a lot rests on the ability of Leon Cameron's men to dig deep. So far, they're holding up nicely. 

3. How will Kennedy pull up?

After Luke Shuey pulled out pre-game with a calf complaint – as was flagged after he missed training on Tuesday – the last thing West Coast could afford was to lose another key player. But in sixth minute of the final quarter, Josh Kennedy grabbed at his lower leg while changing direction alongside opponent Tim Mohr. Kennedy left the field supported by the trainers and sat out the remainder of the game with ice on his right leg. In his absence, Nathan Vardy and Jack Darling stood up to kick what would've been crucial goals, but you can't help but feel Kennedy's presence might have changed the result.

4. Jetta's response

Since crossing from Sydney two seasons ago, Lewis Jetta's progress has been followed with keen interest. Sunday's performance was perhaps his most promising in an Eagles jumper, with the speedster consistently finding space on the wings and across half-forward. The signs looked good early for Jetta, who burned off his opponent running towards goal before neatly converting. The 27-year-old also won several crucial one-on-one contests, typically kept his feet and used the ball well to finish with 28 disposals at 78 percent efficiency and 624 metres gained. The football community knows Jetta's capabilities. His challenge lies in backing up his efforts against the Suns next week. 

5. Top-four consequences

The outcome of Sunday's result could be huge at season's end. The GIANTS are now level with the ladder-leading Crows on points with a win in hand on the third-placed Cats. The Eagles fall to sixth and are stuck in a cluster of four teams with six wins. Adam Simpson conceded midweek that he can't predict which of his teams – competitive or docile – will show up interstate. He will hope for his team to hold firm in Perth, otherwise a place in the finals – let alone the top four – could be in jeopardy.