GREATER Western Sydney's new-look forward structure started 2018 in stunning fashion and helped the Giants pummel the Western Bulldogs by 82 points in the season opener.
With Rory Lobb moving into the ruck to take over from the retired Shane Mumford, Jeremy Cameron and Jonathon Patton were the home side's only tall forwards inside 50 against the Dogs, with the athletic Harry Himmelberg playing as a hybrid target.
It left debutant Zac Langdon, Matt de Boer and Daniel Lloyd to provide the ground level pressure in a more open forward 50, with Toby Greene bringing the star factor, and the Giants reaped the benefits.
Cameron (six goals), Greene (four), Patton (two), Himmelberg (one) and Langdon (one) all hit the scoreboard, and with gun midfielders Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio and Dylan Shiel sharing five goals between them, it was a menacing attack.
Coach Leon Cameron was ecstatic with his forward line's pressure – often one of the team's downfalls last season – after the match.
"There's no doubt we pressured up a little bit better than last year," he said.
"Zac Langdon's pressure in his first game was terrific and Daniel Lloyd was the same, so our (of the win).
"Jeremy's pressure is underestimated and Harry Himmelberg (as well), those two boys really do apply a lot of pressure for their size so everyone buys into that.
"There's no doubt that when you can turn the ball over you can punch back through an opposition (defence), and you're going to have forwards who are keen to get on their bike.
"We made the most it and to have 22 marks inside 50 really helped us steady."
WATCH: Leon Cameron's full post-match media conference
At the other end Cameron was equally impressed with athletic defender Jeremy Finlayson and Lachie Whitfield, who continued his brilliant form as a defender this year.
Whitfield gathered a game-high 34 possessions off half-back, while Finlayson used his booming left foot to constantly set up the Giants from the back half.
"Jeremy adds a different dynamic because he can punch the ball into the wind and he's a precise kick," Cameron said.
"He's had a terrific pre-season and it's one of those great stories because he's a kid that had to do it really hard.
"The last four years he's been improving and he understands that AFL footy is tough, but in the second game of his career to perform in that matter really gives us a lot of confidence going forward with him."
