Davis proves a true leader

GWS spiritual leader Phil Davis has been praised for taking his game to the next level in a year where he had the captaincy taken off him.

Davis has never been made All-Australian and is once again flying under the radar in representative discussions, but the Giants’ key defender’s oneon-one numbers this season suggest he could be back in career-best form.

Champion Data numbers reveal that in Davis’ 30 oneon-one contests in 2020 he has won 40 per cent, and lost just 17 per cent.

There was plenty for Davis to take in last off-season after the heartache of grand final defeat and a somewhat surprising club decision to hand the captaincy solely to Stephen Coniglio.

But Davis has responded in champion style.

“Yeah I think we’ve all noticed that. He could have dropped his bundle couldn’t he,” said Giants’ backline coach, Mark McVeigh. “But he hasn’t.

“And he’s got better, which has been great. Just because he hasn’t got captain next to his name, he’s still leading.

“He’s helping Cogs’ out a fair bit. He obviously goes to him a fair bit. He’s been able to release his mind a little bit and try not to concern himself with the day-to-day stuff of being a captain. He’s really poured it all into his football and even narrowed his focus which is great and you can see the results on the field.”

Davis has conceded no more than one goal in his nine matches this season, and on five occasions has kept a clean sheet against his opponent.

McVeigh believes that after more than 160 matches, and already renowned as one of the competition’s best defenders, Davis has found a way to get better.

“Yeah I do. From just a pure defensive mindset, yes,” said McVeigh.

“He hasn’t got as much of the footy as he would have liked and has in previous years, but he’s gone back to being just a really good defender and allowed others around him to (shine) – like Aidan Corr’s ability to get the ball has gone up more than it ever has.

“Phil has been able to really concentrate on beating the best forward and he’s done that week in, week out and I know three or four weeks ago he played on Charlie Dixon who is arguably the best forward in the comp and just absolutely nailed him.”

Meanwhile, GWS coach Leon Cameron says he is confident off-contract Zac Williams and Jeremy Cameron will resign at the club, despite speculation of a salary cap squeeze.