Doubt over spearhead but Giants ‘not too worried’
Shayne Hope |
GWS aren’t overly concerned about the prospect of losing Coleman Medal winner Jesse Hogan to a foot injury for their clash with West Coast.
Hogan, who has kicked 40 goals in 12 appearances this season, missed the Giants’ main training session on Wednesday.
It leaves the 30-year-old spearhead in serious doubt to take on the Eagles at Optus Stadium on Friday night.
Kieren Briggs (ankle) and Stephen Coniglio (glute) are also listed as tests, while Lachie Whitfield (concussion), Sam Taylor (toe) and Brent Daniels (adductor) are still sidelined.
Hogan kicked nine goals in the round-four win over West Coast, but Giants forward Darcy Jones backed his teammates to get the job done without their spearhead.
“It’s definitely handy having him in the forward line,” Jones said.
“It would be definitely annoying if he wasn’t there, but we’ve got the depth in the keys to fill his spot.
“We’re not too worried. We’ve still got good players to fill his shoes, so we’re all good.”
Toby Greene, Aaron Cadman, Callum Brown and Jake Riccardi are all averaging more than one goal per game this season in a dangerous attacking mix.
Jake Stringer returned before the bye and young key forward Max Gruzewski could be called up if Hogan is ruled out.
“It’s good that we don’t have to just rely on individual players,” Jones said.
“It’s a whole system forward line and we’ve all got our own roles.
“If someone comes down we’ve got someone straight away to fill the spot, so it’s good to have.”
West Australian product Jones, drafted from Swan Districts, grew up an Eagles fan and revealed he still has a framed and signed picture of West Coast icon Nic Naitanui on the wall at his childhood home.
The 21-year-old will play an AFL match in Perth for the first time in front of about 30 family members and friends, some of whom haven’t made the switch to supporting the Giants.
“It’s going to mean everything, I’m so excited,” Jones said.
“I’ve got grandparents, cousins and family that haven’t seen me play (AFL) before so I just can’t wait for them to come down and watch.”
Ninth-placed GWS (9-6) breathed life into their finals push with important wins over Brisbane and Gold Coast before their bye and will start strong favourites against West Coast.
“It’s very important. We won’t be taking them lightly or anything like that,” Jones said.
“They’re always very competitive over west, so we’ll certainly be playing to the best of our abilities to win.”
AAP
