GREATER Western Sydney's ability to win contested ball has improved markedly this season but they'll find out just how far they've come after Sunday's clash against the Western Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs are ranked number one in the competition for contested possession differential in 2016, with the Giants ranked second, and coach Leon Cameron knows his team's ability to match the visitors in that area is crucial to their chances of a sixth straight win.
GWS co-captain Callan Ward leads his side again in the key statistic this season, and along with Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio and newcomer Jacob Hopper, will need to be at his best to counter the likes of Luke Dahlhaus, Mitch Wallis, Tom Liberatore and Marcus Bontempelli in close at Spotless Stadium.
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After finishing last season ranked last for contested possessions per game, the Giants are now fifth in the league.
Cameron said he's been pleased with the Giants' effort to turn around what was a problem area for them in the past, but the Dogs present them with a difficult test.
"They're clearly the hardest side in the competition," he said.
"All 22 (players) that roll out for their footy club every week, they all put their head over the footy so it's a good trait to have.
"We’ve definitely improved, our numbers are stacking up which is great, but you want to get to Sunday afternoon knowing that you've competed in that statistic.
"We can't have that blow out to -15 or -20, we need to be level pegging or in front in that area."
More to come
