Tom Scully vs Lachie Whitfield
Two of the supreme endurance machines of the competition, these two will likely spend a lot of time chasing each other up and down the MCG wings this weekend. Typically the top two in Giants time trials of recent times, this will be the first time Scully faces off against his former side. Both leaders for their respective sides in generating inside 50s, the pair are not only hard runners but pivotal to their team’s delivery into the forward 50. Watch for these two to get involved in their side’s ball movement patterns as much possible, with both players possessing penetrating kicks that can pick apart an opposition’s defensive zone.
James Frawley (or Kaiden Brand or Tim O’Brien or James Sicily) vs Jeremy Cameron
If James Frawley proves his fitness ahead of Sunday’s match, it would appear a no-brainer that he is assigned the task of the league’s number one forward Jeremy Cameron. But if he doesn’t do enough to force his selection, it becomes an interesting conundrum for Alastair Clarkson as to who to play on the Giants sharpshooter. In his three games so far this year, Kaiden Brand has had success quietening the likes of Tom Hawkins and Tom McDonald. Clarko may also look to deploy Tim O’Brien who had some impressive moments last week or even James Sicily as an option that could match Cameron in the air. This match-up will be a telling one regardless of who it is standing beside Cameron at the first bounce on Sunday.
Jack Gunston vs Nick Haynes
Jack Gunston has had an interesting start to 2019, having been shifted between the forward and defensive lines sporadically throughout the season to date. Despite the loss to Melbourne on Saturday, Gunston was amongst the Hawks’ best with 20 possessions, eight marks and three goals to his name. The vice-captain stood up in important moments for his side last week and will be counted on to do the same again this week against GWS. Gunston’s career average of 2.5 goals per game against the Giants is higher than his rate against any other opposition side. Standing at the same height as the Hawks forward, defender Nick Haynes appears the likely match for Gunston. Haynes himself is an important cog in the Giants defensive dynamic, averaging just shy of 20 possessions per game this year.
