GWS GIANTS endured a season of ebbs and flows in 2020, but it will undoubtedly be remembered for producing the GIANTS’ first-ever finals appearance, as well as their winningest campaign to date (four) to place second in Conference A. Led by Alicia Eva in the wake of Amanda Farrugia‘s sudden retirement, the inaugural club leant on the experience of its foundation core to often outwork and outmuscle the opposition, with a Rising Star nominee and two All Australian squad members recognised along the way. Relive the highs and lows of GWS’ 2020 effort, with a nod to their most outstanding players in our season review.

RECORD: 2nd (A), 4-2 (0-1 finals), 123.2%

RESULTS:

R1: defeated Gold Coast by 1 point
R2: lost to North Melbourne by 18 points
R3: defeated West Coast by 28 points
R4: lost to Brisbane by 28 points
R5: defeated Richmond by 45 points 
R6: defeated Adelaide by 5 points
SF: lost to Melbourne by 3 points

The ebbs and flows are made no more evident than in GWS’ first month of football, with the win-loss trend continuing into Round 5 before the GIANTS emphatically snared their first set of consecutive wins in Round 6. Although the hardened GWS squad was able to account for the teams it would be expected to – including three expansion sides – it fell short against the true top-end clubs this season. The emphatic win over Adelaide somewhat makes up for that given the Crows’ fabled squad depth, but it ultimately showed again come finals. An impressive campaign nonetheless, with four wins no mean feat.

SEASON HIGH: Raiding Adelaide to lock-in a finals spot

This was the dagger nailed through the heart of Adelaide’s premiership defence, with GWS locking in a maiden finals berth, and ridding the Crows of one in the process. It was an enormous effort in enemy territory, with the GIANTS claiming the lead after quarter time and not looking back to hold on to the unlikely victory. A roaring success, and the clear highlight of the season with star midfielder Alyce Parker leading the way (30 disposals, seven marks).

SEASON LOW: Letting a first-ever finals win slip

In what has been somewhat of a theme throughout each sides’ highs and lows in 2020, the GIANTS’ greatest success was followed by its most crushing defeat. After finally earning a post-season ticket, the GWS looked certain to roll on into the would-be preliminary finals with a lead in-excess of two goals heading into the final term. But the home side could not finish the job, with its finals dream shattered by the boot of Melbourne’s Lily Mithen.

FIVE KEY PERFORMERS:

Alyce Parker (21.1 disposals, 2.7 marks, 2.9 tackles, 4 clearances, 2.6 rebound 50s, 2.9 inside 50s, 377 metres gained)

One of just two GWS All Australian squad members this year, Parker was her side’s prime mover through midfield. The 19-year-old is right up there with Rising Star Madison Prespakis as far as progress goes from their draft year, having developed into an out-and-out star of the competition. Despite heavy opposition attention most weeks, Parker led the GIANTS in disposals, metres gained, contested possessions, clearances, score involvements, and both inside and rebound 50s.

Alicia Eva (14.8 disposals, 2 marks, 7.2 tackles, 1.4 rebound 50s, 2.2 inside 50s)

The skipper was sorely missed in two games by her side this season through injury despite the wins, but was impactful as ever having taken on an elevated leadership role in 2020. Eva started the season brightly as the perfect accompaniment to Parker’s class in midfield, working hard around the ground and at the stoppages to make her presence felt going both ways.

Rebecca Beeson (16 disposals, 71% disposal efficiency, 2 marks, 2.7 tackles, 1.9 inside 50s)

Tasked with making a more permanent move into the midfield having already staked her claim as a forward, Beeson stood up when her side needed her – especially upon Eva’s absence. A great generator of run through the engine room given her speed, Beeson built on her impressive 2019 campaign with another consistent season, and is delivering on all her promise at 23 years of age.

Britt Tully (11.4 disposals, 1 mark, 6.6 tackles, 2.9 clearances, 1.6 inside 50s, 2 goals)

Part of this year’s leadership group, the foundation GIANT achieved career-best numbers in disposals, tackles, and marks this season as a now-seasoned member of the squad. Tully was not afraid to get stuck in and do the dirty work in her midfield-forward role, linking well into the GIANTS’ attacking 50 while also finding the goals herself – twice. She was the clubhouse leader for tackles, showcasing her contested-ball prowess.

Haneen Zreika (12.7 disposals, 2.4 marks, 4 tackles, 1.1 rebound 50s, 1.4 inside 50s, 2 goals)

Another who enjoyed a good bout of midfield time in 2020 was Zreika, who continues to provide effective forward run for the GIANTS. The diminutive, 157cm playmaker was a terrific runner from midfield this year and got forward at the ideal times to find the big sticks on two occasions. Not to be pigeon-holed in that role, Zreika gets an A for effort every week with her defensive work, too.

THE CROSS-CODER:

Elle Bennetts (12.4 disposals, 71% disposal efficiency, 3 marks, 1.9 tackles, 1.6 rebound 50s)

The second GIANT to earn All Australian squad recognition, Bennetts was terrific for her side in a new role across all seven games. At 172cm, the former-netballer was an apt reader of the play from half-back, while also providing great rebound upon the turnover of possession. The 30-year-old is only getting better after three seasons at the elite level, and was a vital part of GWS’ system this year.

THE BOOKENDS:

Cora Staunton (9 disposals, 2 marks, 1.7 tackles, 1.7 inside 50s, 8 goals)
Pepa Randall (6.3 disposals, 80% disposal efficiency, 0.7 marks, 2 tackles, 1.1 rebound 50s)

Both members of GWS’ leadership group, the numbers may not flatter these two, but don’t let it undermine their respective importance to the side up either end. Staunton again found success in front of goal to lead the club with eight majors – a career-best haul – with her four against Richmond a season highlight. At the ripe age of 38, Staunton is far from done and was invaluable for development of the likes of Rebecca Privitelli.

Up the other end, Randall continued to bullock on in her commendable role as a dour defender, taking on the opposition’s best forward each week and doing it selflessly. A cool head in the crisis, the foundation GIANT was a rock among GWS’ back five, helping to maintain the structure while providing a solid last line. Her sweeping on the ball was excellent too, going at a club-high 80 per cent disposal efficiency.

VERDICT:

Another team which improved out of sight on its 2019 effort, GWS was one of the great success stories in 2020. Led by a strong core of foundation players and with some likely types developing well at the elite level, the GIANTS should maintain their status as a finals contender heading into next year.