Western Bulldogs v GWS
Saturday 30 May, 2015
4:35pm, Etihad Stadium
The Giants have been one of the stories of 2015, winning six of their first eight games and equalling their total wins for 2014.
That included a ten-point win over Hawthorn in round six and big wins over Carlton (78 points, round seven) and Gold Coast (66 points, round four).
The Giants’ young brigade of talent has been on display, with speed across the ground a key attribute.
They lead the competition in handballs and bounces, showcasing a fast-paced, running game that has caused havoc for opposition teams across the first eight rounds of the season.
Coach Leon Cameron has seen his side mature into a genuine finals contender, commenting on his group’s resilience following their round eight win against Adelaide.
“They’re competitors, they’re starting to build a really good base in terms of resilience, and being able to stay in the match.
“This time two years ago when we did lose control, then the heads would hang. Now it’s one of those traits that they’re starting to build and believe.”
GWS Key Stats
- #1 in league for handballs (1461)
- #1 in league for bounces (133)
- #3 in league for disposals (3106)
- #3 in league for disposal efficiency (75.2%)
Players to Watch
Dylan Shiel
Shiel has taken the next step in his career in 2015, developing into one of the competition’s most damaging players. Currently fifth in the competition for disposals, Shiel is averaging over 29 possessions per match, and 4.5 inside 50s. Shiel is currently third in AFLCA voting, collecting 42 votes after eight matches.
Jeremy Cameron
Cameron has become one of the game’s power forwards at just 22. Sitting third in the race for the Coleman Medal, Cameron has kicked 26 goals from eight games, including a bag of seven in his side’s round six win over Hawthorn. Cameron is averaging five marks per game and is fifth in the competition for marks inside 50.
Head to Head
Western Bulldogs 3
GWS 1
Last time we met
GWS Giants 18.7 (115) defeated Western Bulldogs 15.19 (109) at Etihad Stadium, round 23 2014.
GWS’ last three games
R8 2015 – GWS 16.12 (108) defeated Adelaide 12.12 (84)
R7 2015 – GWS 19.21 (135) defeated Carlton 9.3 (57)
R6 2015 – GWS 16.12 (108) defeated Hawthorn 14.14 (98)
