Giants now handling AFL momentum swings

GWS co-captain Phil Davis has praised the AFL club's turnaround in form, saying the team is handling momentum swings much better.

Phil Davis

Phil Davis became the first AFL player to announce he was joining the newly-formed GWS in 2012. (AAP)

A new-found sense of resilience has been pivotal in Greater Western Sydney's mid-season turnaround, which has them sixth on the AFL ladder and eyeing a fifth-straight win.

The Giants' premiership credentials took a pounding in May amid a four-match losing streak, the expansion club's worst slump since 2014.

GWS, who face West Coast in Perth on Sunday then host reigning premiers Richmond at Spotless Stadium, have since found form and now sit in the top eight for the first time in almost two months.

Leon Cameron's side have played more clinically and confidently with every victory, as reflected in the frenetic pressure and slick ball movement that overwhelmed Hawthorn last Saturday.

But co-captain Phil Davis believes one of the most frank differences has been the Giants' response in games when things aren't going their way.

That was also on display against the Hawks, who boasted all the momentum early in the fourth quarter after kicking three quick goals.

"Four weeks is such a long period of time. People can, even yourself, lose perspective of what kind of football side you are," Davis told reporters at the unveiling of a community art project involving charity Ladder.

"It was a challenging period but we were always very confident that aspects of our game were going well.

"What we've done is not let games get away from us.

"In those four losses, there were 15 or 20 minutes where we'd let in four or five goals.

"In the last four weeks, when teams have got a run on ... we've been able to withstand that pressure."

The return of fit-again stars has also helped, most notably ball magnet Josh Kelly.

"In my opinion he's one of the best midfielders in the game, if not the best ... he's a player who makes us all better," Davis said.

The Giants' injury crisis continues to ease, with Toby Greene (foot), Brett Deledio (calf) and Daniel Lloyd (knee) all considered a chance to return against the Tigers in round 17.

The Eagles have been weakened by the loss of forwards Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark LeCras but Davis won't take them lightly in the Giants' first game at Optus Stadium.

"We understand complacency doesn't get you anywhere" the key defender said.

"It's going to be a different looking forward line, but the Eagles' work at Optus Stadium has been incredible.

"They're still going to be very potent and it's always hard to win in Perth."


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Source: AAP


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