NICK Haynes doesn't plan on talking to his fellow defenders during Saturday's Grand Final against Richmond at the MCG.
Don't be mistaken, there's no simmering feud going on between the Greater Western Sydney backs.
No, they're not arrogant enough to think they can waltz all over the Tigers in the most important game of their lives as individuals.
Nick Haynes says the GWS defenders have an unpoken bond. Picture: AFL Photos
However, after making it through the early years of triple-figure beltings to play four consecutive seasons of finals, Haynes and his teammates have gained plenty of experience.
They know not to waste time with verbal communication, especially on the biggest stage.
The Giants star told AFL.com.au that the Giants' backs have their own ways of interacting when the intensity of finals footy is cranked up, and that will be handy in front of a massive Grand Final crowd.
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"I think what we've learnt is that talking when the heat is on is useless and irrelevant," he said.
"We've learnt to worry about our own positioning first, then, we need to swivel our heads to see how we can help out our teammates.
"There's a lot of pointing, a lot of nodding, and a lot of swivelling the head.
"It's all about coming out of your shell and not just worrying about themselves come final time."
Co-captain Phil Davis and Haynes are the intercept kings at GWS, while Heath Shaw, Zac Williams – if he's not required in the midfield – Sam Reid and Adam Kennedy bring speed and dash at ground level, and dour talls Sam Taylor and Aidan Corr provide strength down the spine.
The back half is the one area on the ground that the Giants are full strength.
Much of the pre-Grand Final talk has been about the Tigers' defence, and the quality of stars like Bachar Houli, Dylan Grimes and Nick Vlastuin, but Haynes believes his unit is in career-best form.
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"Our preparation during the week is key," he said.
"Each game we play we have a slightly different approach to how we're going to play.
"There's all these different roles and each role has a name, and everyone has to be on top of that.
"We're really diligent and serious on that front so once the weekend comes, we all know what we're doing and we're all on the same page.
"We know in finals football those little things add up in the end."
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In the Giants' thrilling finals wins over Brisbane and Collingwood over the past fortnight, Haynes has been in outstanding touch, as have his fellow backs at important stages.
Both the Lions and the Pies launched repeated attacks late in an attempt to keep their seasons alive, but in both matches, the GWS defence kept them at bay.
Haynes is prepared for another battle against the Tigers forward line.
"We've been able to stand up in crunch moments, and that gives you huge confidence when you know each player is capable of performing big plays under pressure," he said.
