Sunday’s game is an important one for both the Brisbane Lions and the GWS GIANTS.
We’ve decided to take a look at the five big questions, heading into Round 17.
Who will Mitch Robinson take?
The GIANTS have a dangerous midfield which is averaging 40 clearances per game. With Mitch Robinson becoming known as one of the best shut down players in the competition, we wonder who he will take this weekend.
Will he go to Dylan Shiel (avg. 28 disposals, 5.7 clearances), Stephen Coniglio (avg. 28 disposals, 5.5 Clearances), Callan Ward (avg. 24 disposals, 5.8 clearances) or Tom Scully (avg. 24 disposals, 2.5 clearances)?
Speaking on this week’s From The Players’ Lounge podcast, Robinson said he expects to go straight to Shiel.
“I’m probably looking at taking Shiel… He’s having a really good year,” Robinson said.
Which big man will finish on top?
In the ruck this weekend we will see the battle of the big men. Both Shane Mumford and Stefan Martin come in at 197cm tall, they’re both 30 years old, but Mumford has 142 games experience as opposed to Martin’s 109.
Mumford is a barometer for the GIANTS averaging 33.4 hit-outs as opposed to Martin who averages 26.9.
Martin is a mobile ruckman who likes to get around the ground. He is averaging 16 disposals a game in 2016, as opposed to Mumford who averages 11. This could be the key to winning this week’s ruck battle.
How will GWS respond to last week’s defeat?
It was an uncharacteristic performance from the GIANTS last weekend, going down to Collingwood by 32-points.
They were beated 37-19 in Clearances and 121-100 in terms of Contested Possession, but GIANTS Coach Leon Cameron says his side’s response will prove whether their Round 16 performance was a one off.
Can our young backline stand up against the GIANTS’ potent forward line?
With Dan Merrett omitted this week due to illness, we will play an extremely talented but young backline, consisting of the likes of Dan McStay (21yo), Darcy Gardiner (20yo), Tom Cutler (21yo), Harris Andrews (19yo), Matt Hammelmann (20yo) and Sam Mayes (22).
The GIANTS have named a strong forward line, consisting of Dylan Shiel, Jonathon Patton, Devon Smith, Steve Johnson, Jeremy Cameron and Rory Lobb.
Can we produce a four quarter effort?
We are young. We are unexperienced. But throughout the Season, we’ve shown glimpses of the great football that we can play.
If we’re to upset the GIANTS at the Gabba, we will need to stand up tall and produce a four quarter effort.
