GWS 2018 report card: Giants still a flag fancy next year if given a clear run with injury

IT was, yet again, a case of close but no cigar for the Giants, who overcame injury woes to make finals again, but salary cap pressure could see some key players leave.

Lachie Whitfield breaks clear of Will Hayward. Picture. Phil Hillyard

IT was, yet again, a case of close but no cigar for the Giants who in 2018 overcame injury woes to again contest in September.

But after consecutive preliminary finals losses in recent years there was again finals heartbreak after falling short to a rampant Collingwood at the MCG.

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EVERY DEAL: THE BEST 50 TRADES OF ALL TIME

A bit more luck on the injury front wouldn’t go astray, with management of players a key area of review this off-season.

They get close but not close enough, which will also be considered.

TRADE TABLE

Salary cap and who leaves will determine who the Giants should hunt.

Dylan Shiel going — as is looking more likely by the day — would ease some of the pressure but if big man Rory Lobb goes too, then an extra tall to aid Dawson Simpson would be top of the shopping list.

DRAFT STRATEGY

As per with trades, it all comes down to who goes.

If names like Shiel and Lobb leave, handy early draft picks could again be in the Giants’ hand with a tall player key.

Young elite talent seems plentiful in this draft so could top up what the Giants have built in recent years quite nicely, but will need some midfield grunt.

Dylan Shiel could leave the Giants. Picture: Phil Hillyard

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

* Overcoming injury adversity. From Tom Scully to Jon Patton, nothing went to plan but they adjusted pretty well all things considered.

* More finals experience. They went in younger and less experienced than they would have liked, but more September action is just so valuable.

* Players taking the next step. From Lachie Whitfield earning All-Australian honours to Zac Williams’ stellar return, there was a lot to like.

Lachie Whitfield is favourite to win the Giants’ best-and-fairest. Picture: Phil Hillyard

ROBBO SAYS

“Ripper season to make second week of finals and push the Pies in the semi-final. Injuries/suspension hurt massively and they did not quite have the depth to cover them. Far from doom and gloom in the west of Sydney.”

WHO WINS B&F:

Lachie Whitfield should claim his first Kevin Sheedy Medal on Friday night, although vice-captain Stephen Coniglio is a chance as well, while co-captains Phil Davis and Callan Ward should be top five.

NEXT YEAR’S GOAL

Three years of finals pain will burn even hotter for these Giants who will hope to keep a stable core on the park to again be there in late September.

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Despite early predictions that the Giants would be an impenetrable force, it hasn’t come to fruition. But 2019 isn’t out of the question — if they can stay fit.