Everything You Need to Know About the GWS Giants in 2024

After a rocky 2022, many were quick to write off the Giants as contenders. But hold your horses because these guys weren’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. Under the guidance of Adam Kingsley, the Giants hit their stride in 2023, notching up 11 wins and only three losses to cap off the season. And let’s be real, it could’ve been even more wins if luck had been on their side.

Sure, Collingwood’s 2022/23 run was impressive, but what the Giants pulled off was downright fantastic. They found their groove with Kingsley at the helm and Toby Greene leading the charge as captain. It took a bit of magic to slow them down, maybe even a touch of unfairness.

An in-depth review of the GWS Giants’ 2023 season

2023 was a rollercoaster ride that saw the GWS Giants defy expectations and capture the hearts of footy fans everywhere.

The 2023 season for the GWS Giants was a testament to their resilience and determination. Under the guidance of new coach Adam Kingsley, the team embarked on a discovery journey, facing the growing pains of adapting to a new game style. Despite some promising moments early on, including a thrilling comeback win against the Adelaide Crows, the Giants found themselves in a challenging position with a 4-8 record by the halfway point of the season.

But then, something clicked. The Giants embarked on a remarkable turnaround, stringing together seven consecutive wins to catapult themselves into the top eight. Led by the inspirational performances of players like Toby Greene, Kieren Briggs, and Harry Himmelberg, the team began to believe in themselves and their ability to compete at the highest level.

Highlights of this incredible run included:

• A nail-biting win over the Melbourne Demons in Alice Springs.
• A stunning comeback victory against the Western Bulldogs.
• A dominant display against the Essendon Bombers to secure their spot in the finals.

In the finals, the Giants continued to defy expectations, dispatching both the St Kilda Saints and Port Adelaide Power to advance to the preliminary final. Although they ultimately fell short against the Collingwood Magpies in a heart-stopping contest, the Giants’ performance throughout the season was remarkable.

Individual accolades were plentiful for the Giants in 2023. Coach Adam Kingsley was rightly recognised as Coach of the Year for his role in orchestrating the team’s resurgence. Captain Toby Greene led by example, earning selection as captain of the All-Australian team and claiming the Kevin Sheedy Medal as the club’s best and fairest player. Rising stars like Finn Callaghan and Cameron Fleeton also made their mark, demonstrating the depth of talent within the squad.

But perhaps the most significant highlight of the season was the collective effort of the entire team. Every player played their part in the Giants’ success, from established stars to emerging talents. The emergence of players like Kieren Briggs, Jack Buckley, and Conor Idun in particular showcased the depth and resilience of the squad.

As the Giants look ahead to the 2024 season, they do so with renewed optimism and confidence. With a solid foundation in place and a squad brimming with talent and potential, the sky’s the limit for this resilient and determined team.

What do we expect for the GWS Giants in the 2024 AFL season?

With their top-four finish in 2023, the GWS Giants are doubling down on internal development rather than splashing cash in the player market. They’re putting their faith in the talents that propelled them up the ladder last season, banking on honing those skills to even greater heights.

While expectations are high for another top-eight finish, securing a second chance in the finals might be a tougher ask this time around. The competition is fierce, with several other teams eyeing the premiership and aiming to build on their own impressive 2023 performances.

As we look ahead to the 2024 season, all eyes are on coach Adam Kingsley. After showcasing his prowess last year, there’s anticipation surrounding how he’ll fine-tune his game plan for the challenges that lie ahead. It’s a season brimming with possibilities for the Giants.

When it comes to star power, look no further than Toby Greene

The skipper of the GWS Giants truly came into his own in 2023, showcasing his prowess as a forward with an impressive 66 goals to his name. Not only did he dominate in front of the sticks, but he also earned the prestigious honour of being named captain of the All-Australian team.

What sets Greene apart is his ability to thrive in his role as a forward without the pressure of needing to impact the midfield. This allows him to focus on what he does best—creating havoc for the opposition with his match-winning exploits and sheer determination.

Arguably one of the best players in the league, Greene’s presence on the field is invaluable to the Giants’ premiership aspirations this year. As a veteran attacker with a knack for turning the game on its head, all eyes will be on Greene to lead the charge and spearhead the Giants’ quest for glory in 2024.

Comparisons between the 2024 GWS Giants and the 2023 Collingwood Magpies? 

Yeah, they’re there, and they’re hard to ignore. But before you start rolling your eyes, take a moment to consider the parallels. Think about it—both teams hit a low point before bouncing back with a vengeance. After a dismal 2022 season that had the Giants looking like they were on their last legs, they found themselves at a crossroads. It was like they’d been wandering in the wilderness with no clear direction or purpose. Enter Adam Kingsley, the coaching maestro who breathed new life into the team.

Sure, it took some time for the Giants to adjust to Kingsley’s methods. The early losses were a tough pill to swallow. But then came that pivotal moment against Geelong, where they stunned everyone with a gutsy win at Kardinia Park. From there, it was like a switch had been flipped. The Giants started to believe in themselves again, playing with a fire and determination that was impossible to ignore.

Sound familiar? It should because it’s a story that mirrors Collingwood’s resurgence in 2022. Just like the Magpies, the Giants rediscovered their mojo and started to play their own game. And just like that, the wins started piling up.

Key players who could make a big impact for the GWS Giants in 2024

First up, we’ve got Jesse Hogan. Now, if you missed his stellar performance in 2023, you were definitely sleeping on one of the most underrated players of the season. Hogan’s ability to take those big contested marks inside 50 was an absolute joy to watch. Ranked third for marks inside 50, second for total contested marks, and 16th for goals, Hogan reminded everyone just how deadly he can be in front of the sticks. 

With his presence as the focal point on slower build-ups, Hogan provides the Giants with a reliable forward set-up, allowing other players like Aaron Cadman the space to flourish. And let’s not forget the motivation he brings to the team—it’s like having a powerful weapon in your arsenal that not only inflicts damage on the opposition but also paves the way for the younger players to shine.

Next, we’ve got Lachie Ash. This guy may not always grab the headlines, but he’s as solid as they come. Drafted as a midfielder, Ash has seamlessly adapted to various roles within the team, whether it’s playing off half-back, on the wing, or even as a midfield run-with player. No matter where he’s positioned, Ash consistently delivers, averaging over 24 touches per game and 5.3 rebounds last season. He’s the type of player every team dreams of having—unassuming yet incredibly reliable. Now, it’s time for Ash to settle into that half-back role and really let his talents shine. With his work ethic and versatility, the sky’s the limit for this young gun.

Where do you get GWS Giants tickets for the 2024 AFL season?

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