GWS veteran Callan Ward’s stellar performance against Richmond is set to force a change to the composition of the Giants’ midfield in the second half of the season.
Ward had 32 disposals, seven tackles and seven inside 50s as he attended his most centre bounces for the season in the Giants’ heartbreaking loss to Richmond.
The 33-year-old has combined with Tom Green and Stephen Coniglio in the midfield for the past fortnight with strong success as GWS claimed an upset win away to Geelong, and had 23 more forward entries than Richmond on Sunday but failed to take advantage.
The midfield spot opened up for Ward due to a hamstring injury to Josh Kelly, but the former co-captain, who was dropped to the sub role for two games last month, has firmed as part of coach Adam Kingsley’s preferred on-ball mix for the remainder of the season.
“It’ll be an interesting discussion … I think that’s two weeks away with Josh Kelly (returning), but when that happens, we’ll have the discussion,” Kingsley said.
“(Ward) has been in great form, he’s added something – a lot of hardness. He’s finding the ball and getting a lot of inside 50 kicks for us too.
“He’s been terrific in there and created a situation where we will have to have the discussion to see what the best mix is inside and where the other pieces fall.”
Missing half a dozen of their best 22 over the last few weeks, Kinglsey said the Giants were set to welcome back star defender Sam Taylor before their round 15 bye, but Kelly, Brent Daniels (hamstring) and Isaac Cumming (calf) were more likely to return in Alice Springs against Melbourne in round 16.
Kingsley said the injuries had hurt but allowed the Giants to get games into younger players at the right time.
“It’s put us in a position where we’re getting games into some of the guys that haven’t had a lot of exposure to AFL footy, and that’s the beauty about getting injuries … we’ve been able to put a lot of games into our young players,” he said.
“We’re starting to get some of our top-line players back which is nice, but the guys in the team currently are putting enormous pressure on to hold their spots and that’s where we need it to be … that’s what is going to drive our group forward.
“I’m sure that will make us a better group towards the back end of the year and beyond.”
He said ruckman Kieren Briggs had been a shining light after overcoming “a couple of little niggles” in the pre-season to win a spot in the side.
“He’s really good around the contest with his clearance work, but his ability to get the ball on the outside, finish his work … he plays like a little bloke around the ground as well,” Kingsley said.
“We’ve been rapt with his development … he’s played less than 30 games, he’s only going to get better I would think.”