Jeremy Finlayson and the GWS Giants relishing Wagga Wagga test against Richmond
Greater Western Sydney has moved on from the horror of last year’s Grand Final demolition at the hands of Richmond, gun swingman Jeremy Finlayson insisting the Tigers are a perfect pre-season opponent for his side.
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Jeremy Finlayson insists Richmond are the perfect opponents for the Giants tomorrow but revenge has absolutely nothing to do with it.
Last season’s grand finalists meet in Wagga Wagga with memories still fresh of the Tigers’ comprehensive MCG triumph.
But for Riverina boy Finlayson, all that matters is the future. The 24-year-old from Culcairn simply wants the toughest possible challenge ahead of round one and he’s got it.
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“We’ve moved on from that (the grand final),” he told The Daily Telegraph.
“We dealt with that in (a pre-season camp) in Noosa.
“That was 2019. It’s 2020. This is our last hitout and we’re lucky that we get to play the strongest of sides. It’s a great challenge.”
Finlayson kicked 44 goals last season for Leon Cameron’s men as he thrived in a forward role alongside Jeremy Cameron and Harry Himmelberg.
He could have moved on at the end of the 2018 season, reluctantly put on the trade table by GWS due to cap pressures, but there were no takers.
Instead, he stayed and soared. He is out of contract at the end of the looming campaign and has no desire to be anywhere else.
“100 per cent,” he says. “I love this club.
“I’m happy, it’s a great environment, great blokes and you’re in a privileged position where you get to play footy.
“I just want to get out there and do whatever I can to help my teammates.”
The statistics back up Finlayson’s ‘team first’ mantra. As well as his impressive goal haul in 2019 he was also among the competition’s leaders for goal assists with 24 in total.
What the future holds beyond 2020 is for another day in Finlayson’s eyes.
“That stuff is the last thing on my mind,” he said.
What is on his mind is the chance to put smiles on faces in an area he knows well.
“It’s great to playing in Wagga for us Riverina boys,” he said.
As well as tackling Richmond, the Giants will also spend time with people affected by the recent bushfires, visit schools and hold footy clinics.
“There’s been a few fires around where I grew up. Friends losing houses,” Finlayson said. “It’s pretty devastating.”
The Giants welcome back all their State of Origin players for the Richmond clash with Stephen Coniglio, Jeremy Cameron, Josh Kelly, Lachie Whitfield, Nick Haynes and Toby Greene all named.
Draftees Tom Green and Lachie Ash get another chance to push for a round one spot after their impressive contributions in last weekend’s thrashing of the Swans.
Cross-town rivals the Swans face North Melbourne in Tasmania on Monday, boosted by the return of Isaac Heeney from a broken thumb. Callum Mills, Jake Lloyd and Tom Papley will also feature following State of Origin duty.
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