Giant task for GWS

WHERE AND WHEN: Blacktown International Sports Park, Sunday April 15, 1.10pm

In what looms to be the major lopsided match of the round, Greater Western Sydney will face premiership contenders West Coast in Blacktown today.

West Coast come into the match highly fancied after comfortably beating Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, and in all likelihood view this match as the perfect opportunity to rest any sore players.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelspencer/

If there is one thing the Eagles can’t afford, it’s further injuries to an already depleted playing list.

The Giants however will be looking to be a lot more competitive than their effort last week, which saw them goalless for the first half against the Kangaroos.

Coach Kevin Sheedy will emphasise improvement of their ball use, as West Coast’s press has proven to be lethal after causing the turnover. If the Giants want to remain competitive, they must eliminate errors coming out of the back half.

Key Match-ups

Tom Scully vs Scott Selwood

Selwood was brilliant last week, picking up 34 disposals and three goals in a best-on-ground display against Melbourne.

With Andrew Embley, Matthew Priddis and Matthew Rosa all missing, Selwood suddenly becomes the go-to-guy with the midfield rotations.

Scully’s opening season has been less than perfect, but he gets a chance today to show his new fans exactly why GWS were willing to offer him the big contract.

Jonathan Giles vs Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui

Giles has been one of the highlights of the Giants’ year, impressing throughout the pre-season and in the first two matches of the Home and Away season.

However, today will see him face two of the better ruckmen in the competition, and if he can’t curb their influence somewhat, the game will become ugly very quickly for the Giants.

Final Say:

This is one of those matches where it is universally agreed that one side is completely out-matched and should be beaten quite convincingly.

Not that it’s the Giants’ fault, as a new club, these mismatches are expected, and all Sheedy will want to see today is a four-quarter effort, no matter what the scoreboard says.

West Coast by 108

Teams:

GWS Giants
B: Phil Davis, Tim Mohr, Jack Hombsch
HB: Luke Power, Chad Cornes, Adam Kennedy
C: Rhys Palmer, Tomas Bugg, Tom Scully
HF: Stephen Coniglio, Jeremy Cameron, Adam Tomlinson
F: Toby Greene, Jonathan Giles, Devon Smith
Foll: Dean Brogan, Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel
IC: Israel Folau, Curtly Hampton, Jacob Townsend, Adam Treloar,
EM Shaun Edwards, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Liam Sumner
IN: Adam Treloar, Adam Tomlinson, Dean Brogan
OUT: Nathan Wilson, Dom Tyson (Injured), Hoskin-Elliott
New: Adam Treloar (Dandenong Stingrays/Noble Park)

West Coast
B: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Ashley Smith
HB: Adam Selwood, Will Schofield, Shannon Hurn
C: Andrew Gaff, Scott Selwood, Chris Masten
HF: Josh Hill, Quinten Lynch, Jack Darling
F: Dean Cox, Josh Kennedy, Ashton Hams
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Daniel Kerr
IC: Mitch Brown, Patrick McGinnity, Bradd Dalziell, Koby Stevens,
EM:Ryan Neates, Jacob Brennan, Sam Butler
IN: Mitch Brown, Patrick McGinnity, Bradd Dalziell, Koby Stevens
OUT: Andrew Embley (Shoulder), Darren Glass (Groin), Matthew Priddis (Quad), Matthew Rosa (Quad)