Classy Kelly sparks Giants
GREATER Western Sydney co- captain Phil Davis says the class of Josh Kelly is behind the Giants’ amazing turnaround in form.
Since Kelly’s return from injury a month ago, the Giants have won three of their four matches to climb from finals outsiders in 11th place to sixth.
The midfield superstar will need to step up another gear for Sunday’s clash with West Coast in Perth.
“There is no substitute for pure class,” Davis said
“You can try to make up for it as long as you can but Josh is in the top five players in the AFL, if not the best midfielder in the game.
“As soon as you bring him in it changes the dynamic of your group. It alleviates the pressure on ( Callan) Ward, ( Stephen) Coniglio and ( Dylan) Shiels. It’s the flow- on effect he has to the team as well as the pure effect he has.”
The Giants are 6- 2 with Kelly in the team this year and 2- 4 when he’s out. Since his return from a groin injury in Round 10 he has averaged 32.0 disposals per game, second only to ball magnet and Brownlow Medal favourite Tom Mitchell.
“His numbers since he’s been back are pretty special,’ Davis said.
“I just did my AFLPA vote for MVP this month and Josh got my vote so I hope others followed. His contribution the last month has been huge but it’s his leadership which also counts for a lot. He plays inside and outside, he’s an holistic player who make us all better.”
With Toby Greene ( foot), Brett Deledio ( calf) and Daniel Lloyd ( knee) all listed as 1- 2 weeks away the Giants’ unlikely premiership push is gathering momentum.
A win against a vulnerable Eagles at Optus Stadium is definitely on the cards with Josh Kennedy ( knee), Jack Darling ( ankle) and Tom Barrass ( back) on the sidelines and Mark LeCras ( wrist) a chance to join them.
“I’ve never played them without either one of them ( Kennedy and Darling),” Davis said.
“It will be a different look but their work at Optus Stadium has been incredible. Any team that’s led by Nic Naitanui will generally get first use. Shuey and Yeo are both All Australians and they will be very hard to beat.”
The Eagles have also lost their past three in a row including only their second for the season at Optus Stadium.
“Most of us believe if it’s got four posts at either end and white paint around it, it’s pretty similar to other grounds,” Davis said.