Giants wary of re-enforced Suns

GWS Giants coach Leon Cameron says his team’s trouncing of Gold Coast in April has little relevance for Saturday’s clash between the two AFL expansion clubs.

The Giants smashed the Suns by 66 points in that fixture at Canberra’s Manuka Oval, but the Suns have since been boosted by the return from injury of talisman Gary Ablett Jr and other key players.

“It was a good win down in Canberra,” he said.

“But we know they’re a different team, obviously having a number of players back.

“You can clearly see that since the bye they’ve re-grouped, got some players back from injury, and that they’re playing some better footy.”

Containing Gary Ablett Jr will be the chief task for Cameron’s men, who broke a three-game losing streak on Sunday with a 35-point thrashing of St Kilda.

Cameron said subduing the league’s best player would be a huge test for his young team.

“There’s always the argument, do you run with him knowing he’s always going to get his 30 possessions and hit the scoreboard, or do you just give a young midfielder a chance to play on Gary Ablett?” he said.

“There’s a number of options we’re going to look at, but ultimately he’s one player and there’s 21 other players.”

The match in Queensland will be vice-captain Tom Scully’s 100th appearance in the AFL.

After receiving heavy criticism for his performances for the club, Scully’s form has drastically improved over 2015.

Scully said this year has been his most consistent to date, playing in a new position on the wing.

“The last couple of years have been pretty tough for the group collectively and probably personally, but certainly this year we’re on the right track,” he said.

“Obviously the team is performing a lot better as well, it’s obviously a lot more enjoyable to play in, you know all the guys are in really good form.

“When the team’s performing well, it makes everyone’s job a bit easier.”

Cameron said Scully had come in for undeserved criticism as a young player, and was beginning to reap the rewards of his hard work in training.

“I don’t think Tom’s there to prove a point to anyone else,” he said.

“The thing I admire about him is that he just continues to go about his business.

“He’s really growing amongst the players in terms of his popularity, as I said the boys love playing with him because they know every time he runs out, he gives his all.”

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