GREATER Western Sydney coach Leon Cameron believes his side is ready for the challenge of taking on reigning premier Hawthorn next week after the Giants' "mature" win over St Kilda on Sunday.
The Giants controlled Sunday's clash with the Saints at Etihad Stadium for the majority of the game and slammed on eight goals in the final quarter after St Kilda challenged in the third term.
The 47-point win lifted the Giants to 3-2 after five rounds and into the top eight, but their biggest test will come against the Hawks next Saturday at Spotless Stadium in what GWS' first home game at the venue this year.
Cameron said his charges were ready for the contest and could take some belief from beating the Hawks last year by 10 points in a tight battle in Sydney.
Watch Leon Cameron's full media conference
"I look at it as an opportunity. We know how good they are. We look forward to it, [and] we know it's going to be one hell of a game," Cameron said.
"[It was] a different set of circumstances [last year]. We got over the line last time, [but] they did have (Luke) Hodge, (Jordan) Lewis and (James) Frawley out, so those players are back.
"Time's going to tell how much we've improved. A few weeks ago we played the Swans and fell short by about five or 10 per cent and in the last eight minutes of the game they got away from us.
"We'd love to be in a tight game against Hawthorn, because it means we're actually improving against the best."
The Giants had a raft of strong performers in their win over the Saints, with Toby Greene (31 disposals, four goals), Jeremy Cameron (five goals), Tom Scully (31), Stephen Coniglio (32) and Ryan Griffen (29) all terrific throughout the game.
The coach said it was important the Giants continued in a similar vein next week after an inconsistent start to the season that has seen them beat Geelong but also lose to Melbourne.
"We fluctuate [game to game] and this time last year we played St Kilda in round one and it was similar. We had the ball in our half of the ground in the third quarter, they came with a run and then we only got over the line by nine points in the end," Cameron said post-game.
"It was good that, whether it's five or 10 per cent, we've actually found a way to get the control of the game again in the last quarter and that takes a bit of maturity.
"Everyone across the board had their moments and that's what you need."
Cameron said the Giants' forward line was still taking time to jell, but that he was determined to continue with three key forwards – Cameron, Jonathon Patton and Rory Lobb – with Shane Mumford resting there when required.
He also praised the club's group of running defenders, including Nathan Wilson and Zac Williams, for their daring in slicing through the Saints at stages throughout the game.
"They understand they can't just defend," Cameron said.
"That [running offensively from the backline] was good. It probably dropped away a little bit but it came back really hard in patches throughout the game. It's good that we know we've got some good weapons in the back half."
