Preview Pre-Season 2023

[Orange crush]

That’s a blow

 

[MelbourneGWS]

That’s a blow

he’s still continuing as our development coach?

 

[Giant Gutsache]

he’s still continuing as our development coach?

Don’t know, but should be moved on.

 

[Hendo_21]

Would be happy to keep him around, think it's important he gets the help he needs and is not just dispatched and left without support.

 

[Giant Strides]

Would be happy to keep him around, think it's important he gets the help he needs and is not just dispatched and left without support.

I understand your desire to be empathetic, but ... leaving the development coach in place with that issue is a step too far IMHO.

I haven't seen anything from GWS stating their intention, yet.

 

[Hendo_21]

I understand your desire to be empathetic, but ... leaving the development coach in place with that issue is a step too far IMHO.

I haven't seen anything from GWS stating their intention, yet.

Think it would be a really great sign for the club to show that they're willing to support one of their employees while they experience personal issues, it's not like it's a violent offence that's caused harm to someone else. Think it's quite gross to remove an employee and cut off his income and major support systems that he'd have access to at the club that moment he faces some personal adversity involving a very small amount of drugs in which no one was harmed.

 

[sydney_gws]

It might come down to what do senior players think? If they try to support him, he would stay. They probably just want to stay out of it. It makes me wonder why he did this ? Is it something they happens more in Melbourne AFL circles than in Sydney.

 

[BarryAglett]

Think it would be a really great sign for the club to show that they're willing to support one of their employees while they experience personal issues, it's not like it's a violent offence that's caused harm to someone else. Think it's quite gross to remove an employee and cut off his income and major support systems that he'd have access to at the club that moment he faces some personal adversity involving a very small amount of drugs in which no one was harmed.

If he has ongoing substance abuse issues or dependency, he needs to deal with it elsewhere.
He can still receive support, but not continue in his appointed role.

 

[Giant Pete]

If he has ongoing substance abuse issues or dependency, he needs to deal with it elsewhere.
He can still receive support, but not continue in his appointed role.

I’m happy for the club to give him a second chance. Anything else like it though and he would need to be moved on.

 

[Giant Gutsache]

Not a good start for the new crew.

Giants head of development Robbie Chancellor arrested for buying cocaine​

January 14th, 2023 11:39 am

GWS Giants newly appointed head of development Robbie Chancellor has been busted buying cocaine, charged by Police on December 10.

As first reported by the Daily Mail, Chancellor was arrested by police buying 0.87 grams of cocaine while going for a jog near his Marrickville home in Sydney’s inner-west.

The police record states Chancellor ‘made a full admission’ about purchasing the illegal drug, showing the small white bag of powder and saying: ‘It’s cocaine. I paid $300.’

He was then placed under arrest, while officers searched his phone and found WhatsApp messages between Chancellor and the dealer arranging the meet up.

Chancellor joined GWS in September (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS
Chancellor pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a prohibited drug this week. He’ll return to court for sentencing in March.

In a statement to the Herald Sun, Giants football boss Jason McCartney called Chancellor’s actions a “serious error”.

“The Giants are incredibly disappointed by Robbie’s actions which are in no way aligned with the values and behaviours of our organisation,” McCArtney said.

“Robbie has made a serious error and understands he has let a number of people down.”

The 31-year old joined the Giants in September after a stint with NAB League club Western Jets, having also previously worked at St Kilda, Hawthorn and Melbourne in multiple roles.

May have been his first bag, but likely not.
I wonder what sort of due diligence was done by the club or perhaps they just had to take a chance to fill the role?
This may be a consequence of trying to fill roles in Sydney while juggling the soft cap?

 

[Giant Strides]

May have been his first bag, but likely not.
I wonder what sort of due diligence was done by the club or perhaps they just had to take a chance to fill the role?
This may be a consequence of trying to fill roles in Sydney while juggling the soft cap?

Wasn't he a personal pick of Adam Kingsley? Obviously some due diligence would have been done, but presumably a lot of faith in the new coach's personal recommendation. I daresay the Sydney cost of living is a constant issue for GWS filling coaching ranks.

I guess there's 3 possible options for the club (feel free to add if you think there's more):

1. Sack him as too big a risk to influence the young players.

2. Keep him and support him through rehabilitation. (Question is, what's that involved, how long is he away from the club, disruption/trust issues etc?)

3. Keep him but move him into another role, perhaps less player-facing. e.g. he's previously been an opposition analyst and performance analyst - could we move him sideways to demonstrate compassion and support while taking him away from direct interaction with the players?

 

[MelbourneGWS]

I understand your desire to be empathetic, but ... leaving the development coach in place with that issue is a step too far IMHO.

I haven't seen anything from GWS stating their intention, yet.

I think the club should give him another chance and help him through this difficult time- everyone makes mistakes. The worry for GWS management is that he’s our development coach

 

[Orange Agent]

I think he has to be moved on. Im guessing he has only moved to Sydney in the past 3 months at most and has managed to find a dealer already. It doesnt spell out a judgement of error as JMac has put it. There is either an underlying problem or he was buying it for somebody else. I just cant see how a develpoment coach who would predominately work with young players is the right fit when something like this happens so early in the job.

 

[MelbourneGWS]

We are not playing a pre-season “scratch match” unlike almost all other clubs. Article states that Kingsley will be having an intraclub match instead. Just the one official practice game against Gold Coast before the season opener.

REVEALED: Pre-season scratch matches take shape

Check out who your team is planning to play in unofficial match sim sessions next month

www.afl.com.au

 

[Giant Strides]

Some comments from Josh Kelly on possible trajectory for this season ... (radio interview included in the enclosed story):

'Anything Is Possible': Kelly

GIANTS co-captain Josh Kelly joined Sam McClure on 3AW’s Wide World of Sport this week.

www.gwsgiants.com.au

GIANTS co-captain Josh Kelly isn’t buying into claims the GIANTS are in for a rough rebuild this year, telling 3AW’s Wide World of Sports “anything is possible” in 2023.

Kelly told 3AW that didn’t mean the GIANTS were expecting a year down the ladder. “I feel like we’ve got the pieces, we just need to put it together and play some consistent footy, play our roles and do those things over and over again that makes the good teams really good,” he said. “Pre-season has been really good for us. We’ve had some really big sessions lately, and it’s an exciting place to be right now."

“He’s been outstanding” Kelly said of Kingsley. “He’s come into the role and obviously we want to implement a new game plan, new strategy, and we’ve got a full new coaching staff as well that have gelled really well together, and Adam’s led all of that really well. He's been really strong in his messaging and in building those relationships with the playing group, but also just building those relationships around the club in general - with all the staff and everyone involved, he’s been really strong on that and it’s been really impressive."

When asked about what the GIANTS style of play might look like in 2023, Kelly confirmed a faster, more exciting pace was on the cards – something GIANTS fans can look forward to. “We want to move the ball a bit faster, we want to be more exciting, we want to take things on a bit more, and that’s been something we’ve been working on a lot. It’s not going to happen overnight when you’re introducing new game plans and new habits but these little changes like you mentioned - The Orange Tsunami – if we can get that up and going and certain other elements within that I think it’s going to be really exciting for us."

Some snippets:

Asked about the captaincy, Kelly said he expected that to be discussed sometime in the next month. He has enjoyed the co-captaincy role alongside Cogs & Toby.

Asked about Rob Chancellor, he called it "an unfortunate situation ... not ideal ... but left to the management & integrity side of the club to deal with".

Sam McClure mentioned track watchers have identified elements of Richmond gamestyle being introduced ... leading to the Orange Tsunami comments. Chook said he believed that there wasn't just one style of play to win a play.

Kelly: "I fully believe we have the players to rebound quickly. Play our roles and play good footy. We have a really tightknit group."

Kelly expects to play more time in midfield, but happy to play where is required for best team balance. Cogs has had an exceptional pre-season, good chemistry with Tom Green who is flying, Perryman playing midfield.

 

[Giant Strides]

Some pre-season media musings:

Your AFL club's three most important players structurally in 2023

Who can your club not afford to lose in 2023?

www.sen.com.au

Toby Greene, Sam Taylor, Nick Haynes

There is perhaps no player in the competition more important to their club than Toby Greene. A spiritual leader and arguably the most talented player on their list, GWS’ win/loss record without Greene is a clear indicator of his importance, wherever he’ll be unleashed in 2023.

With Phil Davis’ injury struggles, Sam Taylor stood up in 2022 to claim a maiden All-Australian blazer. Without Taylor, Adam Kingsley would have a severe lack of options to combat the opposition’s best forward in what is already a leaky defence.

Nick Haynes hasn’t been at his best over the last 24 months, perhaps explaining the Giants’ struggles. But with the ability to play one-on-one or loose in defence, as well as being one of the club’s most experienced players, means Haynes’ form will be crucial to GWS in 2023.

Your AFL club’s barometer for finals chances in 2023

See your club's selection.

www.sen.com.au

Toby Greene

“One of my favourite players to watch, I just hope he stays on the park a bit more. When he is playing and dominating games, they are a great team to watch but can also beat anyone. If they’re going to make finals this year Toby Greene has to be their most valuable.”

 

[Giant Gutsache]

Some pre-season media musings:

Your AFL club's three most important players structurally in 2023

Who can your club not afford to lose in 2023?

www.sen.com.au

Toby Greene, Sam Taylor, Nick Haynes

There is perhaps no player in the competition more important to their club than Toby Greene. A spiritual leader and arguably the most talented player on their list, GWS’ win/loss record without Greene is a clear indicator of his importance, wherever he’ll be unleashed in 2023.

With Phil Davis’ injury struggles, Sam Taylor stood up in 2022 to claim a maiden All-Australian blazer. Without Taylor, Adam Kingsley would have a severe lack of options to combat the opposition’s best forward in what is already a leaky defence.

Nick Haynes hasn’t been at his best over the last 24 months, perhaps explaining the Giants’ struggles. But with the ability to play one-on-one or loose in defence, as well as being one of the club’s most experienced players, means Haynes’ form will be crucial to GWS in 2023.

Your AFL club’s barometer for finals chances in 2023

See your club's selection.

www.sen.com.au

Toby Greene

“One of my favourite players to watch, I just hope he stays on the park a bit more. When he is playing and dominating games, they are a great team to watch but can also beat anyone. If they’re going to make finals this year Toby Greene has to be their most valuable.”

With so many players below their best last year it’s tough to pick just 3 in this exercise.
I’d probably go with Whitfield over Haynes.
There are options to support or fill Haynes’ role if required, particularly Leek.
There’s no one on the list can bring what Whitfield offers at his best. Line breaking run and elite disposal at top speed. I hope he’s fit this year.

 

[Giant Strides]

With so many players below their best last year it’s tough to pick just 3 in this exercise.
I’d probably go with Whitfield over Haynes.
There are options to support or fill Haynes’ role if required, particularly Leek.
There’s no one on the list can bring what Whitfield offers at his best. Line breaking run and elite disposal at top speed. I hope he’s fit this year.

I'm of a similar opinion. While I love Nick, he's not in my 3 most important structural players.

Toby & Sammy, yes.

Hard to pin the third down to a single player. Whitfield certainly a possibility, providing that link between D50 & I50. One of the mids who can provide speed and thrust from the contest would be another possibility, so Kelly or Cogs maybe. At one stage, Mummy was possibly one when playing, but none of the current rucks would be.

The final thought would be Hogan. If we can get Jesse back to full form - taking contested marks, crashing packs & kicking 60 to 70 goals - he'd be very important. But I don't know that he'd be 'top 3' right now.

 

[Callums_Guns]

 

[Colonial]

 

[Giant Strides]

Duplicated from the fixture thread, but relevant to pre-season:

Official practice matches*​

Saturday, March 4
GWS Giants v Gold Coast, Blacktown International Sports Park, 12.10pm AEDT

Practice match fixture: Check out who your club is playing

The Lions will play an official men's match at their new home base for the first time, while Carlton will travel to Sydney to face the Swans

www.afl.com.au

 

[Hendo_21]

Are trainings open for people to attend? They're obviously away from normal training now but had anyone got the chance to go and see them train yet?

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Seems our team is bonding and having fun! PIC SPECIAL: Giants find new ways to bond during camp

 

[Giant Strides]

‘X-factor’ youngsters set to explode; draftees ready for Round 1: AFL pre-season intel

‘X-factor’ youngsters set to explode; draftees ready for Round 1: AFL pre-season intel

www.foxsports.com.au

GWS GIANTS

Positional changes: Despite his impressive 2022 campaign in defence — which led to a top-five finish in the club’s best and fairest count — Harry Himmelberg is likely to return to the forward line this year. Adam Kennedy, who played multiple roles last year, this week told the club’s website he’d also been training a lot with the forwards group over the summer, although he was expecting to float between wing and half-back if needed. Dual best and fairest Lachie Whitfield has been seen training across half-back again.

Who’s ‘flying’ on the track: After his first AFL pre-season was curtailed by injury then undergoing foot surgery in September, second-year midfielder Finn Callaghan has been one of the most impressive Giants trainers in recent weeks, alongside recent acquisition Toby Bedford. The former Demon will be hoping to make an impact as a small forward. Brent Daniels, who didn’t play a game in 2022 due to injury, has also looked strong on the track.

Injury watch: The Giants appear to be in good shape, with only Nick Madden (foot) and Max Gruzewski (knee) seemingly in doubt for Round 1. Sam Taylor (wrist), Lachie Whitfield (ankle) and Phil Davis (hamstring) had been dealing with issues, but are transitioning back into full training.

Pre-season games

— Match simulation: Intra-club in Canberra, Saturday February 25

— Official practice match: GWS Giants v Gold Coast, Blacktown International Sports Park, Saturday March 4, 12.10pm

 

[MelbourneGWS]

Pre-season camp is finished and seems to have gone well Pre-Season Camp Wrap: 'When it got tough, they dug in and fought'