IT WOULD take a hard taskmaster to suggest 2014 has been anything but a year of great progress for GWS. Far more competitive for most of the season, the Giants picked up a club-record five wins and could have stolen a few more with a slice of luck. Jon Patton's third knee injury was a heavy blow and injuries were a recurring theme, but overall Leon Cameron performed very well in his first year as an AFL head coach.
The coach
Cameron had the significant task of replacing Kevin Sheedy and, all things considered, did an excellent job. Very popular among the playing group, he handled a heavy injury toll and some fluctuating individual form lines with aplomb. He struggled a little mid-season when the club suffered some heavy defeats, but in general he is courteous, represents the Giants in the right way and, contracted until 2016, appears on track for a long stint at the helm.
What worked
Shane Mumford's recruitment: The Giants desperately needed some grunt and intimidation to bolster their young list. Mumford fit the bill perfectly and was a major factor in the improvement of the club's midfielders.
Toby Greene's punishment: The club made the unusually move of imposing a five-game ban after Greene was arrested following a night out in Melbourne. But it had the desired effect as he excelled upon his return to the team.
A focus on defence: GWS suffered lots of injuries to defenders, losing Phil Davis, Tim Mohr, Nick Haynes and Curtly Hampton for long periods. But they still brought their average score against from 135 points last season right down to 105 this year.
What failed
Winning the close ones: The Giants have a clear target next year – learning how to win close games. GWS lost four matches by eight points or less and another to Essendon by 15 points.
Kicking goals: With Jeremy Cameron limited all season by injuries, GWS struggled for goalkickers. Five Giants kicked over 20 goals, led by Cameron's 29, which is a decent return. But as a team, they only kicked over 100 points twice. That's one fewer than last year.
A couple of list decisions: With so much young talent on such a big list, the Giants have no choice but to make some cuts and some tough calls. But Anthony Miles and Jack Hombsch were clearly two that got away. Tough inside midfielder Miles emerged as a budding star at Richmond, while in hindsight key defender Hombsch's efforts for Port Adelaide could have been critical to the Giants this season.
MVP: Callan Ward
The Giants' co-captain elevated his game to a whole new level in 2014, to the point where he was discussed from mid-year onwards as now being among the AFL's truly elite midfielders. The 24-year-old averaged career highs of 25 disposals and 5.75 tackles per game, setting the tone for the rest of his young squad on a weekly basis.
Surprise packet: Will Hoskin-Elliott
It's no great shock when any of the Giants' talented youngsters takes a step up, but Hoskin-Elliott's rise was still impressive. Rotating in and out of the team his first two years, the dashing attacking option made the senior side in round three and stayed there all season long. Nineteen games and 12 goals combined over his first two years were followed by 19 games and 21 goals this year (through round 22).
Best rookie/first-year player: Josh Kelly
Kelly had a little added pressure entering his rookie year, having been acquired by GWS in a trade for Dom Tyson and pick No.9. But he responded superbly, playing 17 games (up to round 22) and leaving no one in any doubt that he is a star of the future. Poised and incredibly skilful, the teenager has the AFL world at his feet.
Disappointment: Injuries
Injuries to key players proved the biggest disappointment to a GWS side that would likely have added to its five wins if it had regular access to some of its best players. Davis, Jeremy Cameron, Hampton, Haynes, Aidan Corr and Mohr were among those missing large chunks of the year and the club didn't have the depth to cover them, particularly defensively. Patton's serious knee injury in round 21 then underlined their terrible luck with injuries and the Patton/Cameron/Tom Boyd trio had little chance to get started.
Tom Boyd (left) and Shane Mumford brought height and strength to the Giants' line-up. Picture: AFL Media Best win: 62-point win over Melbourne, round 21, MCG
There are some contenders, including two firsts – a road win (Brisbane Lions) and consecutive wins the following week against Carlton. Knocking off the Swans was also cause for celebration. But you can't go past round 21 at the 'G. By halftime, Ward, Davis and Patton were all sidelined, but they still marched to their biggest ever winning margin.
Low point: rounds 8-10
It all started with a 111-point loss to West Coast in Perth. GWS then had a bye, when Greene got arrested and charged with assault. Rested and with a strong line-up, the Giants were then tipped by most to hit back hard at home against a then-struggling Richmond outfit. That ended in a 113-point defeat and a low ebb for the franchise.
What needs to improve?
A decent run injury-wise would certainly aid the cause heading into 2015. The Giants put a strong focus on staying in quarters for longer this season and while that proved the case, they still had a number of lapses that proved very costly and allowed teams to quickly pull away.
Who's done?
Retirements: Josh Hunt, Stephen Gilham
The two veterans have added plenty to the young GWS list on and off the field, Gilham over the past two seasons and Hunt this year. But both have had injury issues, as veterans often do, and won't be going on beyond this season.
Possible delistings: Sam Schulz
Schulz has had a wretched time of it. Delisted last year, he was given another chance via the Rookie Draft, but his body has let him down all season long. He only turns 22 on September 9, however, and it would be great to see him get another shot at it.
Trades/free agents:
Reports have surfaced that key position prospect Kristian Jaksch is keen on a return home to Melbourne. Jono O'Rourke is another of the very few Giants that remain unsigned beyond 2014. Overall, while they may lose the odd player to the 'go-home' factor, the club is very comfortable with the standing of its young list.
What they need
The balance of the Giants' list looks much stronger this season, following the arrivals of Mumford, Heath Shaw et al. The natural development of their young list also means most improvement will come from within, rather than from adding pieces from elsewhere. But they could still use some help with key defenders, which was blatantly shown after the injuries to Davis, Mohr and Haynes.
