Giants embrace reality check as finals race heats up
Joanna Guelas |
GWS are hitting the road to AFL finals with a “healthy” reality check.
Young Giants defender Joe Fonti says an 88-point thrashing at the hands of the Western Bulldogs has only reinforced the need to keep their “foot on the throat” in their run to September.
North Melbourne are up next at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on Sunday, presenting coach Adam Kingsley’s side an opportunity to regain lost ground on the ladder.
The Giants are eighth (13-7), with their percentage suffering in the aftermath of their worst loss of Kingsley’s three seasons in charge, also their heaviest defeat in six years.
Gold Coast are seventh (13-6), while the Bulldogs (12-8) – who also boast a better percentage – are just outside the top eight on 48 points.
In his post-match assessment Kingsley wasn’t overly concerned about their performance against the Bulldogs, with Fonti also keen to move on.
“It’s fair of him not to be all doom and gloom,” Fonti told AAP.
“We can’t just wash over the fact that we’ve had such a good run prior to a devastating loss. We won six in a row there.
“At this point of the season especially, I feel like a reality check is sort of a healthy thing that can happen leading into finals.”
Both GWS and North Melbourne will regain stars from suspension after losing their respective leading goalkickers through injury.
Giants spearhead Jesse Hogan has been rested as he continues to manage a foot issue, while North’s Nick Larkey hurt the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in their loss to St Kilda.
Livewire forward Toby Greene returns to captain the Giants after serving a one-match suspension, while North ruckman Tristan Xerri is eligible following a three-match ban.
The Kangaroos’ (4-15-1) lowly status on the ladder might suggest an easy match for the Giants, but Fonti only has to look back to round 12 to know that taking any team lightly can have dire consequences.
GWS almost suffered an upset loss to bottom-four team Richmond before a three-quarter time speech by since-retired club great Callan Ward sparked a 28-point turnaround to clinch a three-point win.
“It’s that famous saying, that the opposition get paid too,” Fonti said.
“It showed earlier on in the season in teams that we’ve versed like Richmond, when we’ve had close calls against those sort of teams.
“Given the ladder’s so close, we’ll be looking to boost our percentage in any way that we possibly can.
“Keeping our foot on the throat for four quarters will definitely be the approach heading into the game.”
After missing out on a finals spot in his debut season last year, Rising Star nominee Fonti has cemented himself under Kingsley with 13 appearances so far in the 2025 campaign.
“I love big crowds and I love the moment,” Fonti said.
“An opportunity to play finals footy in my second season in the AFL would be an unbelievable achievement.”
GWS will face finals hopefuls Gold Coast at People First Stadium in the penultimate round, before returning home to host St Kilda at Engie Stadium.
AAP
