Fit Giants ready to make finals run
GEELONG West coach Andrew Clark has declared every match “must-win” as the club targets a longoverdue finals appearance.
The Giants injury list continues to clear ahead of a season-defining run to the finals, giving the club a genuine platform to launch its top-five assault.
The Giants have emerged from their week off in strong shape, so much so that a handful of senior players have been forced to play reserves because of the club’s points limit.
The squeeze will be felt even more next week when former Queenscliff defender Stephen Owen is expected to make his first appearance for the club.
But first, West must account for North Geelong tomorrow at Keith Barclay Oval to keep itself firmly in the finals picture.
“We sat down after the Bannockburn game (a fortnight ago) and looked at it — each game from now is cutthroat,” Clark last night said.
“You’re looking at needing to win four of your next five to be a realistic chance of playing finals.
“Twelve games might get you in, whereas last year I think 10 or 11 got you in, so every game we’re looking at from here is must-win.
“Even though we beat them earlier in the year, we’re not taking them lightly at all. We can’t take anyone lightly. The ball is in our court.”
While Owen will not play against the Magpies, Clark said the former Geelong-listed player was “probably more a chance next week”.