Stung Giants seek fresh AFL start

Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast have much to prove in Saturday's AFL clash after both suffered stinging first-round losses.

Stung by a brutal first-round loss, Greater Western Sydney are viewing their opening home game against Gold Coast as a second chance to start their AFL season.

With the Sydney Royal Easter Show commencing next Thursday, Saturday's fixture is the Giants' only match at Spotless Stadium until round eight.

Both the Giants and Suns will be under heavy scrutiny and with much to prove after making disappointing starts last weekend.

Competition favourites GWS suffered a humbling 56-point loss to the Crows in Adelaide, while the Suns fell by two points to intra-state rival Brisbane.

"We're saying round one is this week and start again and kick our season off," recalled GWS defender Nathan Wilson told AAP.

'"We're going to have to bring our best pressure and some energy and get the ball rolling.

"The boys are disappointed about the performance and effort (against Adelaide).

"Our training this week has been spot on and the boys are feeling really good about this week."

Gold Coast's preparations were modified on Thursday, after their scheduled session was cancelled due to flooding caused by ex-tropical cyclone Debbie.

The Suns did some indoor work and trained on synthetic grass and planned to have a slightly longer than usual run in Sydney on Friday.

They will embrace underdog status, with coach Rodney Eade admitting the anxiety of being favourites played a role in their loss to Brisbane.

The Suns have lost four straight to the Giants, but had injury issues going into both of last season's games.

"We've got a better balanced side (this time), but having said that we've got to deliver on the field," Eade said.

"I think midfield is where it's going to be won or lost, and that's what we need to get right.

"Against such a good side, we need to keep the pressure up. We need to play four quarters of hard intense footy and if we can do that it gives ourselves a chance."

The Suns midfield will be bolstered by the return of former No.1 draft pick David Swallow, who will play his first game in 630 days.

Defender Jack Leslie is the other inclusion, while youngster Josh Schoenfeld has been dropped and Pearce Hanley has returned home to Ireland following the death of his brother Tommy.

The Giants have also made two changes, with Wilson and midfielder Jacob Hopper coming into the side for the injured Tendai Mzungu and the dropped Matthew Kennedy.

All-Australian half forward Toby Greene will become the first player drafted by the Giants to reach the 100-game milestone.


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Source: AAP



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