After starting the season 0-3 the GIANTS are delicately poised with a 5-6 record at the midway point of the 2021 season.
What has worked so far in 2021
Youngsters stepping up when required
The GIANTS have seen an emergence of young leaders in the wake of injuries to key players, highlighted by the GIANTS’ impressive return after a 0-3 start to the season.
With senior players Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene, Phil Davis, Harry Perryman, Matt de Boer, Brent Daniels, Lachie Keeffe and Braydon Preuss all sidelined, a younger group of GIANTS flourished.
The GIANTS' back line has been particularly depleted, with Jack Buckley, Isaac Cumming, Connor Idun and Lachie Ash stepping up to the plate in the absence of Lachie Keeffe, Adam Kennedy, Phil Davis and now Sam Taylor.
This is on top of the off-field departures of experienced trio Heath Shaw, Zac Williams and Aidan Corr.
Tom Green, Bobby Hill, Matt Flynn, Zach Sproule, Xavier O’Halloran, Conor Stone, Tanner Bruhn, Kieren Briggs and Jake Riccardi have all proven they’re up to the rigours of the AFL.
The GIANT Leadership Group
Toby Greene was elevated to acting captain in round four as Stephen Coniglio was sidelined with an ankle injury sustained against Melbourne at Manuka Oval.
In the six games Greene lead the GIANTS before sustaining his own injury, the GIANTS recorded four wins and two losses, suffering defeats at the hands of only the Western Bulldogs and Richmond.
Following Greene’s injury against Richmond, Josh Kelly became the GIANTS' third on-field captain of the season, taking the reins against West Coast at GIANTS Stadium. The team rallied behind their new captain to record a memorable victory.
Like a fine wine, Mumford’s getting better with age!
Leon Cameron admitted to being surprised by how much impact Shane Mumford has had so far this season.
With injured recruit Braydon Preuss sidelined, Mumford, who will turn 35 next month, has been one of the GIANTS’ most consistent performers in 2021.
The 34-year-old veteran has played in six matches this year, with the combination of youth and experience seemingly working well for the GIANTS.
Mumford has shared the ruck work with GIANTS Academy products Matt Flynn and Kieren Briggs throughout this season, with both players seizing the opportunity that has presented itself in the absence of Preuss.
GIANTS fans get excited about…
Tom Green
Receiving his second NAB AFL Rising Star nomination 14 games into his AFL career, Tom Green has taken his game to another level in 2021.
The 20-year-old midfielder played six games in his debut season last year - picking up his first nomination in just his second match.
In his second season, the Canberran has played all but one game and is quickly establishing himself as a key member of the GIANTS’ midfield.
Surprise Packet
Jack Buckley has transformed himself into one of the GIANTS' most reliable defenders in 2021.
Arriving at the GIANTS as a key forward and starting this season playing on the wing, the 23-year-old is now being trusted with some of the toughest defensive duties in the AFL.
Buckley went head-to-head with West Coast’s Jack Darling in round ten, with Darling one of the in-form key forwards in the competition and had kicked five goals in a quarter against Adelaide the week before.
The West Coast forward made a strong start, kicking 1.2 in the first term, but Buckley was able to keep him scoreless for the rest of the match as the GIANTS ran out 16-point winners.
Darling's one goal for the game was his lowest tally for the season.
Buckley did an equally impressive job the week prior, limiting Richmond star Riewoldt to a goal and only three kicks for the match.
The Run Home
GIANTS Stadium will play host to Carlton, Hawthorn, Gold Coast, Sydney and Richmond to round out the season with the GIANTS also scheduled to clash with Port Adelaide at Manuka Oval in Round 20.
The GIANTS are set to welcome back an array of experience after the bye with Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene, Matt de Boer, Harry Perryman, Brent Daniels, Jesse Hogan, Phil Davis, Adam Kennedy and Sam Taylor all scheduled to return throughout the back half of the year.
