With the GIANTS’ Best and Fairest award, the Kevin Sheedy Medal, just days away from being presented, GIANTS Media will cast its eye over each third of the ground, starting with defence, as we reflect on the season that was.
It was a different-look back seven to what GIANTS fans had become used to in recent years, but the GIANTS defenders produced in spades in 2018.
From inspirational co-captain Phil Davis to wingman-turned-halfback Lachie Whitfield, the defenders produced a remarkable season.
Phil Davis
The 28-year-old’s leadership ability gets more impressive by the season. Always a reliable, steady head in defence, he took his game to another level in 2018.
Season averages:
15.2 disposals (above average), 7 contested possessions (elite), 81.7% disposal efficiency (above average), 2.7 intercept marks (above average), 7.5 spoils (elite).
Standout performance:
Elimination final against the Swans. Much was made of the Davis-Franklin match-up in the lead-up to the GIANTS’ first final, and Davis proved he is one of the few defenders in the competition who can shut down the Swans spearhead. He kept Franklin to a goalless eight-disposal game, while picking up 18 disposals, 10 marks six one-percenters himself.
Lachie Whitfield
After making his name as a wingman, Lachie Whitfield answered the call when the GIANTS needed a half-back to cover the injured Zac Williams. A career-best season stats-wise, 16 Brownlow Medal votes and an All Australian selection later, you can see how well Whitfield took to the new role.
Season averages:
26.8 disposals (elite), 3.7 inside 50s (elite), 6.7 marks (elite), 3.2 tackles (elite), 6.1 contested possessions (above average).
Standout performance:
Round 18 against Port Adelaide. There were plenty of standout performances for Whitfield in 2018, but his efforts against the Power earned him his first three-vote performance of the season on Brownlow night. He racked up 17 disposals in the first half en route to 31 for the game. He also took eight marks, had four rebound 50s and six inside 50s as the GIANTS went on to record their second win at Adelaide Oval for the season.
Nick Haynes
The ever-reliable defender delivered again in 2018. From timely intercept marks to handy spoils and a nice kick out of defence, Haynes showed his courage and thwarted many a forward foray, with his efforts earning him five Brownlow Medal votes across the season – his first-ever votes for the AFL’s best and fairest award.
Season averages:
17.4 disposals, 4 one-percenters (above average), 2.5 intercept marks (elite), 4.4 rebound 50s (above average), 3.5 spoils (above average).
Standout performance:
Round four against Fremantle. Haynes’ 29-disposal game (the most touches of anyone on the ground and a career-high for Haynes) saw him collect two Brownlow Medal votes as he proved to be a thorn in the side of the Dockers. He took an incredible 15 marks in the contest, rebounded the ball out of defence five times and had two inside 50s and one-percenters as well.
Heath Shaw
He may be the oldest player on the GIANTS' list, but Heath Shaw is showing no signs of slowing down. He was comfortably second in the league for bounces in 2018 before a knee injury in round 21 brought about a premature end to his season. He still has a few tricks up his sleeve, like this deft intercept and goal assist.
Season averages:
22.3 disposals (elite), 2 bounces (elite), 5.8 marks (above average), 1.3 score launches (above average), 3 spoils (above average), 1.7 intercept marks (above average).
Standout performance:
Round 10 against Essendon. It was a loss for the GIANTS, but Shaw did his level-best to keep his side competitive. He racked up 34 disposals – 13 of them contested – took eight marks, had 13 rebound 50s, six one-percenters and four inside 50s in a stellar performance.
Aidan Corr
Injury derailed the end of Aidan Corr’s season, but prior to round 18 he hadn’t missed a game. On the back of a strong 2017, Corr cemented his spot in the defensive unit with a consistent season.
Season averages:
10.2 disposals, 6.6 one-percenters (above average), 2.1 tackles (above average), 5.8 spoils (above average), 1.2 score launches (above average).
Standout performance:
Round nine against North Melbourne. It was a tough day for the GIANTS, but Aidan Corr stood tall, collecting a season-high 19 disposals and taking eight marks, to go with eight one-percenters, four inside 50s and three tackles.
Notable mentions
Adam Kennedy, Matt Buntine and, in finals, Zac Williams all returned from lengthy stints on the sidelines in the back half of the season and made valuable contributions to the GIANTS' defensive unit.
