GWS Giants have faith they can knock off favourites Melbourne Demons

GWS Giants are not put off by having to face premiership favourites Melbourne first up in the AFLW season. In fact, they believe they can knock them off.

GWS Giants AFLW number one draft pick Jodie Hicks who will also play WBBL for the Sydney Sixers this season, at Drummoyne Oval Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

GWS Giants are not put off by having to face premiership favourites Melbourne first up in the AFLW season.

Half the team captains tipped the Demons to take out the 2018 title at the season launch earlier this week, but Giants recruit Jodie Hicks said they’re confident they can cause an upset.

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The Giants knocked off last year’s grand finalists Brisbane with a 50-point win in a practice match two weeks ago.

It was confirmation the work they’ve been putting in during pre-season has them on the right track.

Jodie Hicks has been named on the bench for Saturday’s season opener. Pic: Brett Costello

“We had a few trial matches the other day and it was really good knowing that what we’ve been training for all pre-season is actually working,” Hicks said.

“If you play a pre-season game and your structure doesn’t work you sort of have to start again so it was nice to know that it’s turned out properly.

“It will be exciting to play Melbourne, they’re a top side so I think everyone wants to knock them off. It’ll be fun and really show what we’re up for. Hopefully we make it a good game.

“I think they were the Giants’ only win last year. They knocked them off last year so I don’t see why they couldn’t do it this year.”

Hicks took the long route on her way to Melbourne for the round one fixture at Casey Fields.

One of the many AFLW athletes who’s a codehopper, Hicks flew to Adelaide Friday morning to be with her Sydney Sixers side as they took on the Strikers in the WBBL semi-final.

Hicks was the Giants’ number one pick in the draft. Pic: Aaron Francis/The Australian

Following that she hopped a flight to Melbourne to join her Giants teammates and will fly out Sunday morning to be with the Sixers again for the Big Bash final against Perth Scorchers.

Hicks has enjoyed juggling the two sports, made easier by the support of the clubs and teammates.

“It’s been good. Everyone’s very supportive of me playing both sports so it hasn’t been too hard. Every now and then everyone makes sure I know the stuff I need to know,” she said.

“It was tough, good but tough. Having a really good support staff in both groups and the girls really behind me, asking me about trainings.

“Both were on the same page and at the end of the day they were concerned about my welfare, not just what I was putting out on the park.

“I guess I have a really good family around both teams. It was really good, I really enjoyed it and hopefully I get another go at it next year.”

Originally published as GWS Giants have faith they can knock off favourites Melbourne Demons