SUMMARY
The GIANTS return to Spotless Stadium for the first time this season and should be full of confidence after two-straight wins over Port Adelaide and St Kilda.
Star forward Jeremy Cameron kicked five goals in his first game after missing the first four weeks of the year due to suspension, and the 2013 All Australian will be hoping to repeat his seven-goal performance against the Hawks last season.
Hawthorn's small forwards Paul Puopolo and Cyril Rioli booted nine goals between them last week and will need to be watched closely by the GWS defence, as will ball-magnet Sam Mitchell who continues to gather the footy at will.
The GIANTS ran the Hawks off their feet in their 10-point win in 2015 and will be intent on doing the same as they look to consolidate their place in the top eight.
It was seventh heaven for Jeremy Cameron the last time he took on the Hawks. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, April 30, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FOUR TIMES
R6, 2015, GWS GIANTS 16.12 (108) d Hawthorn 14.14 (98) at Spotless Stadium
R11, 2014, Hawthorn 14.10 (94) d GWS GIANTS 13.9 (87) at the MCG
R8, 2013, Hawthorn 21.14 (140) d GWS GIANTS 9.3 (57) at Aurora Stadium
R15, 2012, Hawthorn 28.25 (193) d GWS GIANTS 4.7 (31) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Jeremy Cameron's seven goals was the difference when the GIANTS upset Hawthorn in 2015; Callan Ward had 31 disposals for GWS and Sam Mitchell 34 touches for the visitors.
2. Hawthorn won the first game between the sides by a massive 162 points in 2012, the second by 83, the third by seven points, before the GIANTS finally won last year.
3. The Hawks continue to be the number one tackling side in 2016 averaging 84.4 per game, compared to the GIANTS who are the worst, ranked 18th at 59.4 per game.
4. GWS plays its first game at Spotless Stadium in 2016 this week; the GIANTS won six of eight games at the ground in 2015 after winning only five games in total at the venue in 2012-14.
5. Despite winning four games this year, the Hawks' scoring continues to be down on previous seasons; in 2016 they’re averaging 95 points per game compared to 109 in 2015 and 111 in 2014.
6. Small forward Cyril Rioli is Hawthorn's highest-ranked player in the Schick AFL Player Ratings at number 13, with co-captain Callan Ward leading the way for the Giants at number 20.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR ... James Frawley.
The Hawks' defender was brilliant against Adelaide last week and will likely get first crack at GWS spearhead Jeremy Cameron. If he can limit Cameron's output, the GIANTS could struggle to kick a big enough score to win the match, so the former Demon will play a key role in round six.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 16 points
The GIANTS take on the three-time reigning premiers Hawthorn in their first game at Spotless Stadium for the year on Saturday April 30 at 4.35pm. Click here to buy your tickets now.
