Greater Western Sydney are destined for a maiden AFL finals berth.
Maybe even from finishing in the top four, with some tipping them to clinch the minor premiership.
But coach Leon Cameron won’t so much as glance past Saturday’s meeting with Collingwood, let alone do the maths on the favourable fixtures enticing the Giants towards a potential home final.
The competition’s youngest club are already third and have a cracking run home featuring just two top-eight rivals in their last eight matches.
Those are eighth-placed West Coast, whom the Giants will host at their so far untouchable fortress of Spotless Stadium in round 21, and seventh-placed North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium in round 23.
While it makes positive reading for Giants fans, Cameron was loath to label any opponent as less challenging than another.
“We never talk about what’s coming up in two or three weeks, we always talk about what’s in front of us,” Cameron said.
“As soon as you start thinking ahead about whether you’re travelling, whether you think you might have some easier games – there are never any easier games.
“We’ve got a huge challenge against Collingwood, all we can focus on is that.
“If we get the job done we move to our 11th win which moves us closer to where we want to get to.
“But until we get that job done we can’t discuss anything else.”
The AFL’s top eight is as tight as ever.
Before this round began, six teams including the Giants had 10 wins and 40 points, behind leaders Hawthorn who are clear on 48 points.
September’s finals line-up also appears all but set barring an unlikely challenge from ninth-placed Port Adelaide.
The Power’s main role now could be in helping to shape the configuration, given they’ll play five top-eight sides in their last 10 games, including the Giants in a fortnight.
Cameron thrived on the unpredictability of it all.
“That’s the good thing about this competition at the moment,” Cameron said.
“Port are trying to get into the eight, they’re playing some good footy.
“And there’s eight sides trying to stay in the eight and eight sides trying to get into the top four.
“I think it’s just a fabulous year for the competition because it’s so unknown what’s going to happen from game to game.”
