Never before has an AFL club boasted so much young talent.
In fact, the Giants’ squad features a total of 20 first round draftees – 10 of which were taken between Picks 1-5 at the AFL National Draft (including four Pick 1s).
And that’s not to mention Jeremy Cameron, Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel, Thomas Bugg and Tim Golds who would have probably all gone inside the first round of the 2011 Draft had they not already been secured by the AFL’s newest franchise as pre-listed 17-year-olds.
The Brisbane Lions themselves have a wealth of young talent, but have just five first rounders – three of which were taken from the past five AFL National Drafts (Daniel Rich, Sam Mayes, and James Aish).
So although the Giants have experienced some lean early seasons in the AFL, you would expect they will become a force at some stage in the near future.
Assistant Coach Simon Black says GWS have started to show some of that promise with competitive outings against Hawthorn and Essendon in recent weeks.
“GWS are stacked full of talent. Their last two weeks have been very competitive. They’ve got themselves back on track after a couple of ordinary games,” Black told LIONS TV as part of the Vero Coaches’ Wrap.
“They’ve got some really fast and skilful players. They’re youthful, and exuberant, and with that can score quickly. So we’re going to have to play really well.”
Black also said he hoped Lions fans flocked to the Gabba on Saturday to see two up-and-coming sides battle it out.
“We encourage everyone to come along and hopefully see another good game,” he said.
“I know how much the support means to the boys, so please come along with your family on Saturday.”
