THEY finished the regular season with the most miserly defence in the league, but the Sydney Swans know Greater Western Sydney's in-form forward mix will be a huge test in Saturday's qualifying final.
The Swans gave up just under 67 points per game in 2016, with their new-look backline a major reason for the minor premiers' outstanding season.
But the Giants' forwards have clicked in recent weeks, with powerful big man Jonathon Patton leading the way with 11 goals in his past two games, and Jeremy Cameron and Rory Lobb both bobbing up at various stages.
Midfielder Jake Lloyd is just one of the new faces in the Swans defence, having settled into a role across half back in the second half of the season, and told AFL.com.au that Cameron (49 goals this year), Patton (34) and Lobb (26), would provide veteran Heath Grundy, newly crowned All Australian Dane Rampe, and youngster Aliir Aliir with plenty of headaches.
"As a back six we've got to work together and help out because those guys are quality forwards in the competition," he said.
"(Heath) Grundy should have been All Australian in my opinion, 'Ramps' (Dane Rampe) is in career best form, and Aliir (Aliir) has stepped up perfectly.
"We’re really confident in the way that we play and in the structures that are in place.
"It doesn't really matter what happens on the field, you just play and you know that someone is there to help you or cover you.
"As a group we've been really solid this year and I guess every game from here is going to get tougher.
"But we're confident with the footy we've played over the last month, and hopefully that carries on into finals."
The ultra-consistent Lloyd, who played every game for the second season running, had 30+ possessions in three of his last four games after a mid-season switch into defence, and will have his own hands full at ground level.
The Giants' own All Australian Toby Greene and star recruit Steve Johnson combined for 82 goals in 2016, and Devon Smith has returned to form after an injury-interrupted season.
GWS might not have any finals experience but Lloyd said they're stacked full of talent, which showed when they thumped the Swans by 42 points in round 12.
"I certainly see them as a real contender, they're a quality side," Lloyd said.
"Their contested footy is really good, and the way they run and spread is probably the best in the competition.
"It's important we stop that but stick to our structures, play the way we want to play, and not let them do what they want to do.
"They smacked us at Spotless Stadium earlier in the year but it's a different ground this week.
"There's a bit more on the line and we're confident that we can beat them."
