GWS answering Giant questions about their ruck stocks
Plenty of questions hovered around the GWS Giants' ruck stocks leading into this season, and they've been tested in the opening month.
Shane Mumford's retirement put pressure on Rory Lobb to deliver, and when he went down injured the onus was on Dawson Simpson to stand tall against the AFL's biggest ever player.
He stood up in a tight duel against Fremantle's Aaron Sandilands in GWS' 11.16 (82) to 7.9 (51) win over the Fremantle Dockers at Manuka Oval on Saturday. Coach Leon Cameron never had any doubts he would.
"I think all those questions came out of Mummy’s mouth," Cameron laughed.
"You’re talking about a fantastic ruckman for the last 10 or 12 years at the Dockers [in Sandilands]. Dawson is the spirit of our footy club, he won our coaches award last year because he just gives it everything he’s got, whether he is playing at NEAFL level or AFL.
"What he did was fantastic, he had a great duel with him. Sandilands won some moments, Dawson won some moments, he just kept hanging in there.
"When you have those sort of players at your footy club, you want to perform for them. There is no doubt our boys get a lift from him playing.
"Having competitive ruckman on your list is really pleasing because it means they’re busting to get into the team or stay in the team."
Tim Taranto's old head on young shoulders
He is only 20 years old but you could be forgiven for thinking he is a seasoned veteran. The Giants young gun oozes class.
Taranto racked up 22 touches against the Dockers - but his 11 tackles were the most impressive takeaway from his game.
"He’s only a second year player, sometimes I keep forgetting that," Cameron said.
"He’s only played probably 20-odd games but he’s got a huge motor, he’s got a huge appetite, and that’s what we like about him in the midfield.
"He works both ways, he covers off for his teammates, but equally he can push forward and do a little bit of damage. Every game Tim is going to play he is going to get better. Clearly he is heading in the right direction."
Lachie Whitfield deals with tags
Everything Lachie Whitfield touched during the pre-season and the opening fortnight of the regular season turned to gold.
But over the past two weeks he has been contained pretty well by his opposition, with Fremantle youngster Bailey Banfield keeping a lid on Whitfield's impact for the Giants in round four.
But Cameron says Whitfield won't be shying away from being tagged - instead the dashing utility wants to use it to become a better player.
"Clearly as you progress as any footy player you’re going to have your ups and downs, and your downs can come because your opposition might target you," Cameron said.
"Lachie looks at that as an opportunity or a compliment. Banfield can play the game, he’s had some really good scalps over the last two games.
"The good thing is he wants to learn how to deal with it, he’s not going to run away from it. We’re not running away from that, neither is Lachie, and every game he plays with that sort of attention, he is going to get better, and better, and better."