Giants will unleash triple threat, says Shaw
Heath Shaw says GWS' tall forward trio will eventually appear
GREATER Western Sydney is certain to unleash last year's no. 1 draft pick Tom Boyd, Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Patton in the same forward line this season, vice-captain Heath Shaw says.
There has been widespread discussion about whether the Giants can squeeze the tall trio together in attack.
But former Collingwood defender Shaw is confident GWS can make it work.
"I think we can, it will definitely happen throughout the year because 'Boydy' is a gun," Shaw said on Channel 7's Game Day on Sunday.
"He's a big unit and he's a very, very big talent. I suppose a bit of match fitness and conditioning to AFL level will get him in the team.
"Hopefully all three of them can work up forward together."
Standing at 200cm, Boyd could also pinch-hit in the ruck when he eventually makes his debut.
The youngster could provide back-up to ex-Sydney Swans ruckman Shane Mumford and Jonathan Giles, who were outstanding in GWS' seven-point round two loss to St Kilda on Saturday.
Mumford had 46 hit-outs and 18 disposals and Giles booted four goals, while Devon Smith bobbed up with five majors.
All-Australian forward Cameron and Patton were held to just one goal between them.
"Unfortunately Jeremy copped a knock early in the game, which probably restricted his influence," Giants coach Leon Cameron said on the Sunday Footy Show.
"We've also got to remember Jon Patton's only played 11 games of AFL footy – he's going to go up and down a little bit.
"He was fantastic in our first win against Sydney a couple of weeks ago, but he's coming off some pretty horrendous knee injuries, so it's going to take time with him.
"That synergy that we're trying to create with our three talls – whether it be Giles, Patton, Cameron, or (Adam) Tomlinson fits in that, or Boyd – it's just going to take a little bit of time with those tall forwards."