Sports

AFL 2018 preview: New boys no more, time is now for Giants

With the new season just days away, Andrew Wu runs the rule over the two Sydney teams.

Can the Giants' play triple towers in attack?

In Jonathon Patton, Jeremy Cameron and rising star Harry Himmelberg, the Giants have three high-quality big forwards plus Rory Lobb, who is likely to play more in the ruck this year. But after Richmond's effort last year, three talls might be too many, leaving them without speed to apply pressure and lock the ball in. That was hailed as one of their weaknesses last year. For them to all play together, Cameron and Himmelberg may have to spend larger portions up the ground with Patton to pinch hit in the ruck or play behind the ball as an extra man – roles at which he has proven adept.

Rising star: Harry Himmelberg is on cusp of big things.

How will Leon Cameron fill the holes left by Zak Williams and Nathan Wilson?

The pair have been critical to the Giants' running game but Wilson has headed home to Western Australia and Williams will miss much of the season with an Achilles tendon injury. Lachie Whitfield will get first crack in the role after being switched back in the pre-season. The former No.1 draft pick may lack Williams' and Wilson's pace but is a high-class midfielder who should not have too many issues picking up the new role. Brett Deledio is another option.

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SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

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