AFL

Hungry Giants ready to keep proving doubters wrong

Mar 13, 2026

lachie — Lachie Whitfield (r) says GWS want a good mix of fast and slow ball movement to call on. -AAP Image

Ravaged by injuries and believing critics have already written off their premiership hopes, GWS are confident they can keep the good times rolling against the Western Bulldogs.

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The hard-running Giants outgunned Hawthorn in opening round, despite missing the likes of Tom Green, Sam Taylor, Brent Daniels and Aaron Cadman.

It has buoyed players like veteran half-back Lachie Whitfield early in the campaign.

"The hunger is always there," Whitfield told AAP.

"It's good to get through another pre-season and to be playing games.

"We're just really excited about the year to come. I think we've been written off already, haven't we?

"So to have a good performance like that against a really quality side's pleasing."

Gun midfielder Finn Callaghan skipped Thursday's training as he deals with soreness but Giants coach Adam Kingsley expected him to be fit and firing.

Callaghan was at the heart of GWS's explosive run through midfield against Hawthorn that brought the Giants' renowned 'orange tsunami' style of play back to life.

"I don't think it's something that we've ever lost, but we're just trying to have a good mix of fast and slow ball movement," Whitfield said.

"We know we can beat teams with our faster movement, but we just wanted to get our slower kick-mark game in a bit of a better order - we gave away a couple too many goals last year in the slow game.

"And I think (the Hawks game) was the improvement on that, but still a little bit to go."

GWS will need to bring their hard-running best against Bulldogs like Ed Richards, Joel Freijah, Bailey Dale and Connor Budarick on Saturday.

The Giants were thrashed by the same opponents by 88 points late last season and lost to the Bulldogs by 32 in round seven.

The Bulldogs, who stunned reigning premiers Brisbane in opening round, have won nine of the past 10 meetings between the sides, which have often been spiteful.

Whitfield wouldn't buy into that fierce rivalry dating back to 2016.

But he has plenty of faith in new recruit Clayton Oliver, who will be crucial in the clinches against the likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Matt Kennedy.

"He's just added a really good, clean, hard nose over the ball," Whitfield said of the former Demon.

"We saw with Tom (Green) going down, he just steps into that role

"Great person as well to have around the footy club, seamlessly fit in straight away and just really enjoying his company at the moment.

"He's a great addition to the team so far, just a superstar. He's done it all before. So good to have him."