Greater Western Sydney remain winless through eight rounds, but there were signs of a return to the hard, contested football the Giants value in a decent performance against Hawthorn last weekend. The challenge is to show some consistency and back it up against another heavyweight this week in West Coast. Steve Coniglio, Taylor Adams and Rhys Palmer stepped up their form on Saturday, while Jeremy Cameron kicked another four goals to sit equal-fifth in the Coleman Medal race.
The Giants will be hoping for some good weather and a solid increase on the 5830 people who turned up to their first game at Skoda Stadium this year, against Adelaide two weeks ago.
They welcome a West Coast side that is starting to work its way back up the ladder after a below-par start to the season. Three straight victories has squared the Eagles' ledger at 4-4 and with some important players returning to the side, including Daniel Kerr and Beau Waters, the situation is improving for coach John Worsfold. Surely Nic Naitanui, following his game-winning mark and goal last week, should be worth the price of admission on Saturday afternoon.
WHERE AND WHEN: Skoda Stadium, Saturday May 25, 2.10pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST TIME
R3, 2012, West Coast 23.12 (150) d GWS Giants 10.9 (69) at Blacktown
THE SIX POINTS
1. These teams will meet for just the second time. In round three last year, 11 first-quarter goals set up the Eagles' comfortable win at Blacktown.
2. Kevin Sheedy will coach against West Coast for the 39th and final time. He has a good record against the West Australian club, claiming 22 wins and 16 losses.
3. Naitanui is currently the highest ranked Eagle in the Official AFL Player Ratings, sitting 13th overall, and he is also the top-ranked ruckman. Co-captain Callan Ward tops the list for the Giants, lying 22nd overall.
4. The Giants' defensive line, which is missing Phil Davis and Chad Cornes, is conceding a League-worst 140 points per game. West Coast is conceding 94 points per game.
5. The young Giants are proving to be tough in the centre clearances, ranking fourth in the competition in that area. The Eagles are ranked equal-10th.
6. Skoda Stadium will be the 23rd venue the Eagles have competed in and fourth in Sydney after Blacktown, ANZ Stadium and the SCG. Their first match ever in the city was a 130-point loss to the Swans at the SCG back in 1987.
