Following a 32-point loss to the Fremantle Dockers on Sunday at VU Whitten Oval, it’s again to the drafting board for the GWS Giants and captain Alicia Eva.
Despite an explosive 28-point second quarter from the Dockers, which positioned the recreation out of attain for the Giants, Eva is assured that the work her group has achieved throughout the pre-season will set them up for achievement in the subsequent couple of rounds.
“Al [McConnell] was really clear in the room after the game in that the solutions are in our room and in our playing group,” mentioned Eva.
“He is making an attempt to encourage us to convey our great things every week, to be disciplined and to join with the structural elements of the recreation.
“We know that we can lift, we know that we have the talent in the room and we know how strong our pre-season has been.”
It’s truthful to say that by way of on-field success, the Giants haven’t fairly been the place they want to be in current seasons.
Narrowly lacking the finals in a few seasons, Eva is hopeful that this yr will be completely different.
“We have made a real point of wanting to do things differently this season and move the ball differently,” mentioned Eva.
“We want to be brave with the footy and take the recreation on.
“That’s a high-risk strategy, but high risk and getting creative helps you score goals and that’s exactly what we need.”
(Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
Following a disrupted pre-season due to the pandemic, lockdowns and border closures, the challenges have continued for the Giants in the opening rounds.
Just like many different groups, the Giants have been struck by harm in the opening two rounds.
Chloe Dalton went off throughout the second quarter of the Giants’ win in opposition to the Gold Coast Suns (she is tipped to return this weekend) after which the Giants additionally misplaced Bec Beeson in the second quarter in opposition to the Dockers.
Both accidents had impacts on the rotations and the constructions that the Giants performed with in each video games.
But the harm concern is wider than simply the Giants.
Fortunately, Round 2 was much less extreme, however in Round 1 there have been three ACL accidents to Katie Lutkins, Bri Davey and Izzy Huntington.
“The ACL injuries were horrific,” mentioned Eva.
“It’s not only a loss for these groups, however it’s a loss for the complete competitors.
“With seasons that are so short, if you miss three to four weeks, that’s almost half the season.”
There has been a lot commentary on the causes for these accidents, however it’s tough to low cost the challenges confronted by AFLW athletes as full-time skilled athletes with out entry to services always and with employees that aren’t full-time supporting their packages.
As devastating as these accidents have been, for Eva, there is a chance for golf equipment to think twice about how they assist these gamers.
“It’s vital that groups which can be in a position to adapt, cope and constructed technique round gamers who are suffering long-term accidents.
“It’s a part of the tradition piece, as a result of once you get these issues proper, gamers who’re injured will nonetheless have an effect on a gaggle, a profound impression.
“It’s because of how much they care and the amount of time they put into their clubs. Their contribution may look a bit different than if they were on the ground but it will still be important.”
The Giants’ subsequent recreation is in opposition to the Kangaroos on Sunday at Arden Street Oval.
But with out getting too forward of herself, Eva is wanting ahead to Round 4 in opposition to the Western Bulldogs, when the Giants will make their return to Sydney and play at Henson Park.
“We are bloody excited,” mentioned Eva.
Throughout the yr, the Giants will play house video games at Henson Park, Manuka Oval and Blacktown International Sports Park.
“I like that we have a couple of home grounds and get the chance to play in front of Giants fans around the state,” mentioned Eva.
“But when it comes to Henson Park, we all know there’s a enormous AFLW following in the interior west so we hope to see plenty of followers there.
“We can’t wait to play in front of Giants fans again.”
