RED ALERT FOR DEFENDERS

GWS defender Adam Kennedy says the Giants’ defenders are on red alert, acutely aware of the threat Geelong’s attack poses in today’s clash at GMHBA Stadium.

The Cats’ forward line has looked rejuvenated this season after an off-season shuffle that has paid early dividends, with Geelong the secondhighest scoring team heading into Round 4.

Luke Dahlhaus, Gryan Miers, Gary Ablett, Tom Atkins and Gary Rohan have all done damage on the scoreboard and with their pressure as small forwards, while key target Tom Hawkins has thrived with Esava Ratugolea back.

Kennedy said the Giants could not afford to take the table-topping Cats lightly.

“They’re the form team of the comp, they’ve started well. They have a really well-rounded team. There are stars in it, but they’re pretty balanced,” Kennedy said. “It’s going to be a big challenge for us. “Their forward line is functioning very well, so us backs will have our hands full.

“They’ve got some good young players that are up there for pressure, but they’re kicking goals as well.

“And their older players are great at what they do too — Hawkins, Ablett, those sort of players. They’ve got a really good balance down there (in attack).”

The Giants, who arrived in Geelong yesterday, hit Kardinia Park for a light training run in the afternoon.

The ground doesn’t hold many good memories for the expansion club, with the Giants yet to register a win there.

Kennedy has never played on the ground before, but said yesterday’s short training session had given him an idea of the ground’s intricacies.

“It’s long, if anything. When I first walked out here … they all talk about it … but it is pretty long,” Kennedy said.

“It’s a different dimension, but I’m pretty excited for the game.”

Kennedy said it was crucial the Giants’ midfield — featuring returning star Callan Ward — got on top.

“We’ve got to try and win it out of the middle, so the challenge is there for our mids,” he said.