GWS must cure its MCG travel bug to be flag contenders

GWS midfielder Matt de Boer says there’s an aura about the MCG but the Giants must address its dreadful record at the MCG if they want to be genuine flag contenders.

Sam Reid and Stephen Coniglio console each other after the Giants’ loss to Collingwood in the semi-final at the MCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard

The Giants must address their dreadful record at the MCG if they want to be genuine flag contenders and the key to an upturn appears to be treating the “modern day Colosseum” like any other venue.

Fifteen previous visits to the ‘G’ have resulted in 13 defeats for the orange and charcoal.

The chance to start improving that record comes on Sunday against Hawthorn.

And with one away-day “hoodoo” already successfully buried this season, Matt de Boer sees no reason why the MCG should prove too daunting for in-form GWS.

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The Giants have three regular season battles locked in at the MCG this season.

Sunday’s match with Hawthorn is followed by a Round 10 clash with Melbourne and then Richmond in Round 17.

“The ‘G has a little bit of an aura about it and is the modern day Colosseum but we’ll prepare as if it’s any other stadium. Leon (Cameron) acknowledged that today,” he said.

“Leon said it doesn’t matter where we play, let’s focus on our Monday to Friday preparation. We’re not intimidated by the ground or anything.

“We know that’s where the game’s going to be played in September so we’re really looking forward to delivering.

“We hadn’t won down in Geelong until a few weeks ago. With this team we hold no fears. We go anywhere and take on anyone.”

A dejected Toby Greene after last year’s semi-final loss to Collingwood at the MCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard

A fast start would go some way to boosting hopes of a ‘G’ success and Cameron’s men certainly blasted out of the blocks in last week’s win.

“We know there’s no easy games and we expect them (Hawthorn) to come out firing,” de Boer said.

“When we’ve been challenged in the past we’re a very resilient team at fighting our way back and scrapping a win when we need to but to jump out of the gun is definitely preferred and something we’ve been building in our language and our preparation as well. Really exploding out and really capitalising.”