Why former ‘Geelong nuffie’ Connor Idun is confident GWS Giants aren’t far from their best

Connor Idun grew up a ‘Geelong nuffie’, almost became a Cat and still has strong ties to his hometown — not that it will matter when he returns as a Giant.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Kieren Briggs (L) and Connor Idun (R) of the Giants look dejected after the round eight AFL match between Sydney Swans and Greater Western Sydney Giants at SCG, on May 04, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

Connor Idun and his mates would spend every second weekend the same way.

After moving to Geelong with his mum, he naturally became a Cats fans.

It quickly developed into fandom, becoming a member and dreaming of pulling on the blue and white hoops.

“It was pretty much park in the same carpark, just down near the train station, then head up to the stadium,” Idun said.

“It was the same seats every week because of the membership with a family friend and her son, so it was good.

“I was a Geelong nuffie so used to cry when they lost. So happy when they won, but that’s changed now for sure.”

Coming through Geelong’s TAC Cup team, the Drysdale teenager regularly impressed for the Falcons. He was firmly in the sights of the Cats when the 2018 draft came around but the Giants swooped to bring him up to Sydney.

The Cats were close to pouncing on their local product before the Giants got in early. Picture: Mike Dugdale

While there will be some fondness for another homecoming on Saturday, Idun’s mission, besides coming away with the win, continues to be spreading the orange and charcoal gospel as wide as possible.

“There’s too many friends and family (who still go for Geelong,” Idun said.

“I’m trying to slowly transition them into Giants fans. I think the past two or three games down there have been good for us to get the win and give them a few scarves and badges, things like that.”

DOES THE G IN GMHBA STAND FOR GIANTS?

The Giants’ seven-point win over the Cats in the corresponding fixture last year in Geelong was significant for multiple reasons.

Firstly, it was the occasion for Idun’s first and only Brownlow vote to date after nine intercept possessions, 10 spoils and two intercept marks. It was also their third win in as many matches at Kardinia Park.

However, for Adam Kingsley it proved to be the turning point in his first year as a head coach. GWS headed into the game with a 3-7 record and staring down another bottom-four finish.

Idun was one of the best for the Giants in their big win last year over the Cats. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

The victory sparked an incredible turn in form that saw the Giants fall just one point short of a grand final berth.

“Definitely looking back at it last year, that’s the game everything clicked,” Idun said.

“I think we had slight doubts in our system and what was happening because we had new coaches and system. So for that game, to go down there and beat a quality team like Geelong, that sort of grew a lot of belief in the side.

“We took a lot from that game and it continued for the rest of the year. So that was a turning point.”

A hallmark of this Giants side under Kingsley has been their ability to produce a strong performance when their backs are against the wall.

Travelling down to Geelong last year typified that as they lifted for Toby Greene’s 200th game in one of the most hostile environments in the competition for the crucial four points.

“The city stops when there’s a game in Geelong which is good,” Idun said. “If you live there and don’t go for Geelong, you’re the odd one out.

“I love heading back there and playing … and it’s always good to shut up the family and friends that do go for Geelong.”

The Giants have been quick to draw on their previous experiences in Geelong ahead of this week’s crucial match-up. Going into the game on the back of three losses, there’s a sense of urgency at the club that things need to turn around.

The key defender is confident the Giants aren’t far from their best, but he also knows they desperately need a win. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

A loss wouldn’t ruin their season by any means, but it’s been the matter of their defeats which has been concerning. They’ve gone away from their quick ball movement and transition footy, and been thoroughly outplayed for over a month.

Kingsley brought up last year’s match against the Cats immediately after their loss to the Bulldogs last weekend. Setting the record straight in a familiar setting, in front of an even more parochial crowd for Tom Hawkins’ milestone match, is high on the agenda.

“We’re not hoping, we really do need to perform down there,” Idun said.

“They’re a great side and they’ve had a couple losses in a row so they’re going to come out firing as well. So we’re keen for the battle.

“For us, it’s just the fundamentals. Kicking, handballing, marking. Last year, when we were at our best, we would turn the ball over and then just cut teams up. We’re not quite there at the moment.

“It’ll click eventually. You don’t want to be playing your best footy in May or June. We’re building for that September and we really do need to start getting into form now and putting our system to work.”

Originally published as Why former ‘Geelong nuffie’ Connor Idun is confident GWS Giants aren’t far from their best