Meet expectations

Coach Coleman Schache’s on-field leadership also sets a competition benchmark. His ability to draw his team-mates into following his direction is second-tonone. He is also a talented ball-winner in his own right. Athletic Sam Weddell across half back provides a relentless attack on the ball as a major intercept-marking rebounder. Weddell sets up a lot of springboard play for the Giants but will need support in this area in the pressure of finals football. Other running players include James Wray, whose class and ball use has come to the fore as the season has progressed.

Rover Clint Burdett has also hit late-season form after coming back into the side, changing the dimension and adding pace and smarts to the Giants’ midfield. Then there is the bullocking toughness of Tyler Lehmann who is a rugged element to the game, for which Mallee football is renowned. Lehmann is great to watch.

Webster brothers Ben and Josh are utilities at home at either end of the ground, Haydn Drew has featured in the best players all year and Sam White is a dangerous forward who can kick multiple goals. And then there’s Reece Mcnally, who helps an A-grade on-ball fleet get first use of the ball and the ever-damaging Brock Orval pushing forward with every opportunity.

In short, the Giants are holding all the weapons needed for the finals and playing on the big day in September is all before them.

Holding up a Wimmera league premiership cup would be a staggering achievement for this outfit, which has taken all before it since its historic formation through merger. Can they win the flag? Yes, they can. Will they find it tough? Yes, they will.