What worked
- Run and stun: When the Giants were at their best in the first half of the year nobody in the competition could match them on the spread. The footy they played in a stirring 10-point win against Hawthorn in round six was breathtaking.
- Open ball: GWS averaged 233 uncontested possessions per game, ranked sixth in the AFL. When the Giants were in open space, they came from everywhere to provide options, often overwhelming the opposition.
- Twin towers up forward: Jeremy Cameron had a career-best season up forward with 63 goals and had a great foil in Cameron McCarthy, who booted 29 goals in the first 12 games before fading in the second half of the year. Jon Patton also made an encouraging return from a knee injury in the latter stages of the season.
What failed
- Goalkicking: Nothing saps the confidence of a young side more than poor finishing and it hurt the Giants this year. They're 268 goals, 264 behinds at 47.1 per cent had them ranked equal 15th in the league.
- Centre square grunt: Without star ruckman Shane Mumford for the second half of the year, GWS struggled to get momentum from the centre square. The Giants ranked last in the competition averaging just over 10 centre clearances per game.
What we said in pre-season
If their young midfield guns take a big step, expect the Giants to gain significant momentum.
Overall rating
6.5/10. With a healthy list, the first half of the season was exciting, but injuries to key players hurt badly, and the young Giants fell away. But, 11 wins for the young club was a massive step forward.
Fans' rating
The coach
Leon Cameron is the perfect man to lead this club, his man-management skills a key factor in many of his out-of-contract young stars re-committing. Always open an honest post-match and did well to keep the side in finals contention until late in the year despite the loss of key players. Contracted until the end of 2016.
MVP
Callan Ward: Not much separated the co-captain and defender Heath Shaw but Ward wins out because of his leadership and fearless attack on the footy. Averaged 25.3 possessions per game, 11.4 of those contested, and led the Giants for clearances to set the standard for a midfield group full of classy young stars.
Surprise packet
Zac Williams: After struggling to cement a spot in Leon Cameron's best 22 before the bye, Williams made a massive impact in the second half of the season. The small defender showed a willingness to take the game on and combined with Heath Shaw to give the Giants plenty of run from the backline.
Get excited
Cam McCarthy: The young forward was a revelation inside 50 kicking 29 goals from the first 12 games this year, and although the 20-year-old grew weary as the season went on, he still finished with 35. Another full pre-season for McCarthy working alongside Jeremy Cameron and Jon Patton will only increase the Giants' scoring power in 2016.
Disappointment
Will Hoskin-Elliott: A pre-season shoulder injury was a set back and Hoskin-Elliott never got back into the year, kicking just 3.8 from 11 games. Has all the tools to be a star of the competition but unlike most of the Giants' young guns, the 22-year-old failed to build on the promise he showed in 2014.
Best win: 10-point win over Hawthorn, round eight, Spotless Stadium.
Superstar forward Jeremy Cameron booted seven goals as the young Giants ran all over the back-to-back reigning premiers, with the likes of Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith and Adam Treloar cutting the Hawks apart.
The Giants celebrate their amazing win over the Hawks. Picture: AFL Media
Low point:
No side likes to use injuries as an excuse, but the Giants' round 11 loss to Collingwood at the MCG wrecked their season. They went in chasing fourth spot but lost Shane Mumford for the year, as well as Phil Davis and Joel Patfull for five and four games respectively.
The big questions
- Should there be a change of captaincy?
Phil Davis is a great leader but relieved of skipper's tag, he can concentrate on getting the body right. Stephen Coniglio a ready replacement to join Ward.
- Where were the goals?
Jeremy Cameron (63 goals) and Cam McCarthy (35) were fantastic, but Rhys Palmer's (18) was the next best. Devon Smith (17) might be the answer as a permanent crumbing forward.
- Will Mummy be Mummy in 2016?
Season-ending ankle surgery is big and there's no guarantee the big man makes it back to his best. He's the most important player at GWS so his recovery is critical.
Season in a song
I want a mum(my) that lasts forever - Cyndi Lauper
Who's done?
Retirements: Former Bulldog Dylan Addison has played just five games for the club in two seasons – all in 2014 - but Addison's leadership has been outstanding in the NEAFL. No doubt still has the ability to play senior footy but has taken a back seat to let the young list flourish and looks to have a bright future in a development role at GWS or elsewhere.
Delistings: Leon Cameron's side isn't easy to break into and the Giants simply cannot afford to keep all of their talent on the list. Tim Golds has managed just six games in four years – none this season –while Liam Sumner has played 12 in the same period, with his last game being round 23, 2014, so both will struggle to survive the cut.
Trades/free agents: Adam Treloar has requested a trade to Collingwood, but his departure could net the Giants some high draft picks. Run-with player Tomas Bugg and speedy utility Nathan Wilson are also out of contract, and with senior spots tough to come by, defenders Curtly Hampton and Adam Kennedy, plus key position talents Adam Tomlinson and James Stewart might attract interest from other clubs.
What they need
GWS needs a ruckman to back up Mumford, who will be 30 next year and is coming off major ankle surgery. Youngsters Rory Lobb and Tom Downie are still developing but will struggle to shoulder the load. A goalkicking small forward would also be handy.
Premiership clock
If they can keep their best 25-28 players on the park GWS should be aiming for a top four spot, and from there anything is possible. A flag is within reach while Mumford, Shaw, Griffen and Patfull are around.
Early call
A good run with injuries sees the Giants make Spotless Stadium a fortress on their way to a top four position, led by 2016 Brownlow medallist Shane Mumford.
