What's worked, what hasn't, best win, the revelation and more as we cast an eye over the GIANTS' first half of the 2015 season. Click on the orange hyperlinks for more.
What's worked - Speed
No team in the competition can match the GIANTS' ability to run and spread. They do it in waves, often from deep in defence. Devon Smith, Ryan Griffen and Dylan Shiel are their biggest running weapons, and when the team is up and going, they're almost impossible to shut down. GWS players are fit and fast, a lethal combination for opposition teams.
What hasn't - Goalkicking
Last week coach Leon Cameron admitted his side's finishing in front of the big sticks is a problem, and he's spot on. The GIANTS average 12.13 per game at 46 per cent, the worst in the league, and it's costing them wins. Star forward Jeremy Cameron has booted 35.30 at 58 per cent and has missed plenty of shots he should be kicking.
Story of the season - Injuries versus Collingwood
Finals looked a formality when GWS headed to Melbourne to take on the Pies for a top four spot in round 11, but they walked (well, hobbled) away from the MCG with those hopes in tatters. They lost their most important player, ruckman Shane Mumford (ankle) for the season, key defenders Joel Patfull (ribs/lung) and Phil Davis (ankle) for two months, and in form midfielder Stephen Coniglio (shoulder) for at least a fortnight.
Best win
Cameron booted seven as the GIANTS ran Hawthorn off their feet in round six to make the competition stand up and take notice. Treloar, Scully, Ward and Shield led the club to its greatest ever win.
Best individual performance
We all know he's a star, but Jeremy Cameron's seven-goal haul against the back-to-back premiers took him to another level. Kicked big goals at important times, and showed why his re-signing was so important for the club.
Brownlow leader - Dylan Shiel
Should be right up there early on, with his ability to run and carry the ball at speed. Classy left footer who will attract votes.
The revelation - Cam McCarthy
Has 29.9 from 12 games with a bag of five against Gold Coast in round four. The round eight NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
The missing - Jon Patton
Still unsighted at the half-way point of the year, and his comeback keeps getting pushed back. Has been in full training for weeks, but can't quite get over the mental hurdle of playing games. A fit and strong Patton can only help the GIANTS, especially with their rehab room full of stars. If he's not back playing in the next month, considering he's NEAFL bound for a least a fortnight, 2015 might be a write-off.
Worst performance
The GIANTS were 3-1 when they headed to Perth full of confidence, but got spanked by the Eagles to the tune of 87 points. It brought the young side back to earth quickly.
Mark of the year
Nick Haynes, R6 v Hawthorn
Goal of the year
Devon Smith, R2 v Melbourne
Three games that shape the season
R16, Gold Coast, Metricon Stadium
R17, Geelong, Star Track Oval
R21, Sydney Swans, Spotless Stadium
Fantasy pig
Callan Ward, average 103.9 per points
STATS LEADERS
Disposals - Adam Treloar (335)
Marks - Lachie Whitfield (80)
Contested marks - Nick Haynes (16)
Goals - Jeremy Cameron (35)
Inside 50s - Callan Ward (55)
Clearances - Callan Ward (73)
Contested possessions - Adam Treloar (128)
AFL Media's score - 7/10
