The Giants are finally home!
Having not played at their home ground since round 4, the Giants finally return to their home patch in Western Sydney to host Fremantle (who will be known as Walyalup for Indigenous Round) in the twilight.
It’s a timely return home for the Giants. Just as their season looked like it was hitting the skids and might have derailed after three losses in a row, they managed to get things back on course with a big win down in Geelong.
We probably should have seen it coming, given their ridiculous recent record down there… five wins in a row down at the Cattery is unheard of, especially this century. A seven-goal haul from Jesse Hogan and a ridiculous 37-possession performance from Tom Green in his 100th game got the Giants over the line against the Cats.
Now 5-4 on the season and holding onto a spot inside the top eight, They welcome the Dockers to town, who themselves are struggling to stay afloat and match expectations.
After their dumpster-fire display against the Saints, Walyalup were heavily tipped to bounce back against a Collingwood side who had rested all their stars and were coming off a five-day break. But… they were beaten. Despite dominating territory and several key statistical metrics, the one they failed to grasp was ‘speed kills’ - something the Magpies did expertly and converted their chances where the Dockers didn’t.
So now they make the trip to Sydney, as one of the four teams sitting at 4-5 and on the outside of the top eight looking in, It’s almost season on the line territory for a team that people thought could give the flag a shake.
They will need to make a call on whether they take ruckman Sean Darcy on the place after he was subbed out on Thursday night with a knee problem. There’s not much more respire on the injury front but there are some options there in the WAFL should Justin Longmuir look to make more changes.
The Giants could welcome back some big names with Toby Bedford and Steve Coniglio pushing to be fit and reclaim their spot in the side. Jake Stringer will miss after injuring his hamstring and captain Toby Greene will need to tick the boxes despite playing on after hurting his ankle against the Cats.
For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Giants vs Dockers prediction and preview below.
GWS Giants vs Fremantle Predicted Teams
GWS Giants Predicted Team List
B: Connor Idun, Sam Taylor
HB: Lachie Ash, Jack Buckley, Lachie Whitfield
C: Jacob Wehr, Finn Callaghan, Cody Angove
HF: Stephen Coniglio, Aaron Cadman, Xavier O’Halloran
F: Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Harvey Thomas
Foll: Kieren Briggs, Tom Green, Toby Bedford
Int: Callum Brown, Toby McMullin, Joe Fonti, Jake Riccardi, Josia Delana
Fremantle Predicted Team List
B: Luke Ryan, Alex Pearce, Karl Worner
HB: Heath Chapman, Brennan Cox, Jordan Clark
C: Jeremy Sharp, Andrew Brayshaw, Matt Johnson
HF: Shai Bolton, Pat Voss, Murphy Reid
F: Michael Fredrick, Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss
Foll: Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong, Corey Wagner
Int: Cooper Simpson, Michael Fredrick, Isaiah Dudley, Neil Erasmus, Oscar McDonald
GWS Giants vs Fremantle Prediction & Betting Tips
Head-to-Head Prediction
Walyalup holds sway in the recent and overall head-to-head, but the Giants have won the past two matches in this battle. Both of those have been at the Sydney Showgrounds too, a place where the Dockers are yet to record a win and have an average losing margin of 46 points.
The Giants like to possess the ball and play a controlled game, ranking second in the competition for disposals through the first 10 weeks. The Dockers are back in 15th in this area, the polar opposite of the way they set out to play at the start of the year.
The Dockers have been implored to add speed to their game. It might unlock everything that Justin Longmuir wants them to do, which includes winning a few games away from home.
If they play the same stagnant way and do not get it in quickly to Josh Treacy, Sam Taylor is going to have a field day chopping everything off. It’s going to be an intriguing battle. At the other end, Alex Pearce is going to have his hands full with Jesse Hogan after a seven-goal haul.
He went big against the Dockers last time too Jesse with a bag of six goals which could have easily been 10. His form is ticking back in the direction he and Adam Kingsley wants it to be.
This is the start of an important run for the Giants ahead of their bye, and we just don’t trust the Dockers enough… especially away from home.
Betting tip: Giants
First Goal Prediction
Fresh off kicking the sealer last week, Jake Riccardi has enjoyed the games against Walyalup in recent years. Averaging two goals a game, We’re looking at him to get on the board first.
Betting tip: Jake Riccardi
Most Disposals Prediction
Jordan Clark embodied everything that the Dockers have been trying to do which is move the ball with purpose from the back half and get it forward.
After a season-high 33 disposals against Collingwood last week, expect the directive for the Dockers to be ‘get it to him so he can get it forward’ at all costs.
Betting tip: Jordan Clark 30+ disposals
GWS Giants vs Fremantle Dockers Match Details
Date: Saturday, May 17th
First Bounce: 4:15 PM, AEST
Location: Engie Stadium, Sydney
How to watch: Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports