Paul Roos labels developing Dees and Giants as the future
THE Swans’ former premiership coach Paul Roos says the Giants’ clash with Melbourne tomorrow is the forerunner to bigger things — with the two clubs possessing the best young talent of any teams in the AFL.
GWS
Don't miss out on the headlines from GWS. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Swans’ former premiership coach Paul Roos says the Giants’ clash with Melbourne tomorrow is the forerunner to bigger things — with the two clubs possessing the best young talent of any teams in the AFL.
THE SPLIT: WHY ESSENDON HAD TO CUT TIES WITH GODDARD
ASADA: SAM MURRAY ALLEGEDLY TESTS POSITIVE FOR COCAINE
TIGER TOUGH: WHY DUSTY CAN STILL WIN THE BROWNLOW
“You can mount an argument that the two most talented teams in the competition are playing at the MCG on Sunday,” Roos told The Saturday Telegraph.
It’s hard to argue with names such as Josh Kelly, Dylan Shiel and Tim Taranto squaring up for the Giants against Demons youngsters Clayton Oliver, Angus Brayshaw and Christian Petracca.
“If the Giants and Demons can keep that talent together for the next four or five years, they are going to be playing in some big games,” Roos said.
It’s not just the long-term future that looks bright for the Giants and Demons, with both teams shaping to have a say in this year’s premiership race.
Roos has been one of the Giants’ harshest critics throughout their seven years in the AFL, but he believes they have developed a high-pressure, contested game style that will stand up to finals heat.
Contested possession stars Callan Ward (12.7 per game), Stephen Coniglio (11.3) Tim Taranto (9.8) Josh Kelly (9.5) and Dylan Shiel (9.5) are all ranked in the AFL’s top 70 of the highly valued statistic.
GWS are also ranked fifth in the competition for tackles, with 68.1 per game.
“I’ve been impressed by the Giants,” Roos said of the side coming off a 20-point loss to the Swans last week.
“They had a tough game against the Swans last week, but I think they will bounce back and come out of it.
“I’m bullish about what they can do.”
Having coached the Swans to premiership success in 2005 and playing a big role recently in Melbourne’s revival, Roos has a close relationship with both clubs. He said that he felt the Swans were like his “grandkids” and the Demons were like his “sons”.
The Dees’ shock 17-point victory win over West Coast — the first time they’ve beaten a side in the top eight all season — secured their first finals appearance since 2006.
“Melbourne needed to make the finals from a development and a talent point of view,” Roos said ahead of tomorrow’s MCG battle.
“That box has been ticked. It builds to something special for the footy club: go and play and keep learning.
“Regardless, it builds towards something with a lot of momentum. It’s a different story to Richmond, for example. They finished ninth all the time and others that couldn’t get to the finals.
“The game against GWS isn’t bigger or smaller than other games, it’s just another one they will draw experience from.”
Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >