Callan Ward, co-captain of Greater Western Sydney, acknowledges a unique excitement associated with the standalone commencement of the AFL season, likening the anticipation to that of finals football in Melbourne.
This week, the AFL ensured that the spotlight was on the harbour city, hosting the launch of the season along with all captains from the 18 clubs on Thursday.
With GWS and the Swans being the only teams not granted an extra week off, Saturday’s upcoming match has become the predominant topic among many analysts.
For Ward, who has participated in preliminary finals with the Western Bulldogs in 2009 and 2010, this feeling isn’t entirely new.
“It’s been a massive buildup for this round-one match. Almost as significant as a preliminary final, which is fantastic,” the 20-year-old expressed.
“Last weekend in Melbourne, the discussions revolved around our game this weekend.
“Upon arriving here, I was unsure about the level of conversation surrounding it.
“However, seeing the billboards—and receiving numerous calls from locals saying they can’t stop hearing about this weekend’s game—is exciting.
“There’s definitely a significant buzz surrounding the football club.”
Veteran Swans midfielder Jude Bolton concurred, stating that the inaugural Sydney derby has held the city’s interest and expressed his expectation for the Giants to rise to the challenge.
“We recognize they possess a highly talented roster, and Sheeds is likely to implement various strategies against us,” Bolton shared with Fox Sports News.
“There are also experienced players like James McDonald and Chad Cornes, adding some toughness to the game, so we are anticipating a physical encounter.”
Expectations are high for Giants co-captains Ward, Phil Davis, and Luke Power, who will face the challenge of maintaining team morale as losses potentially accumulate this year.
Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, whose team recorded three victories in their inaugural season, noted the importance of GWS’s experienced AFL players in 2012.
“They certainly have some seasoned players on the roster, and I’m sure they’ve navigated ups and downs in their careers,” Ablett remarked.
“I believe their role is to guide the younger players and lead them through their first season, as it can be quite challenging.”
Designated as a top Rising Star prospect in the AFL’s annual captains’ poll, GWS No.2 draft pick Stephen Coniglio has shown impressive maturity.
Having turned 18 just three months prior, Coniglio has gained considerable experience in the WAFL and appears ready for the challenges of the AFL—reminiscent of Brisbane’s 2009 winner, Daniel Rich.
“He’s remarkably mature for his age,” Ward commented, comparing Coniglio’s work ethic to that of his former teammate, Daniel Cross.
“He has a clear understanding of what to expect already. He consistently astonishes the older players who have been in the league for over a decade.”
Buford Balony says: What a load of nonsense. There will be over a 100 point difference in the opening game. It’s ridiculous hype because when the people of Sydney hear the result (since they won’t watch it), they’ll just laugh at the AFL like everyone else.
