Giants ready to put heat on Tigers

Greater Western Sydney are confident they can handle Richmond's renowned pressure and return fire in Saturday's AFL preliminary final at the MCG.

Tom Scully of the Giants

GWS are confident they can handle Richmond's renowned pressure, according to Tom Scully. (AAP)

AFL pressure masters Richmond should expect to have plenty of heat coming in their direction in Saturday's preliminary final, according to Greater Western Sydney wingman Tom Scully.

The Tigers' relentless full-ground pressure has been a key factor in their surge into the last four.

GWS experienced it first hand at a wet MCG back in July, when they were monstered at the contest in the middle quarters and held to 45 points, their lowest score of the campaign.

"Of course we've spoken about it, there's no doubt they probably have set the benchmark for pressure all over the field," Scully told AAP.

"We know that's coming, but we're really confident as well that we can apply some really good pressure to them.

"Obviously part of that is absorbing pressure and being able to handle it."

The Giants' cause has been helped by the late-season return from injury of two of their renowned hard nuts, Stephen Coniglio and Jacob Hopper.

With Lachie Whitfield returning to the side in round eight following a six-month drugs ban, GWS now have the midfield artillery they lacked earlier in their campaign.

"It's been really important to get those guys back, to have a full midfield now," Scully said.

'"It helps our depth in our midfield, it helps our flexibility, guys are able to play a number of different roles.

'We're not too reliant on a few guys going through that midfield, we've got guys now that can roll forward and roll back."

The former Melbourne No.1 draft pick has played more MCG games than any of his GWS teammates except ex-Tiger Brett Deledio.

"I don't think I've ever been involved in such a big game," Scully said.

"I've played in a few Queen's Birthday games for Melbourne against Collingwood which were quite large crowds, but nothing quite like finals footy."


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Source: AAP



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