GWS will continue to be creative as they tinker with a makeshift forward line in the absence of Jeremy Cameron, who has left a bigger hole than his average of 2.5 goals per AFL game.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Giants will be without Jon Patton for the rest of the season because of a knee injury, while fellow key forward Cameron has two games to serve of his five-match suspension for the hit on Harris Andrews that caused bleeding on the brain.
Small forward Toby Greene made a timely return against Richmond last Saturday, kicking two goals to help GWS defeat the reigning premiers.
But the Giants' overall score of 11.13 (79) against the Tigers was only two points higher than their lowest winning score of the season.
"We were rapt with out defensive side of things last weekend, but we still only scored 79 points," coach Leon Cameron said.
"We struggled to kick that 90-100 points.
"Every week we're going to have to look at finding that two or three goals that Jeremy provides, and also the goals that he assists in.
"You can't replace a superstar ... but I reckon over the three weeks he's been out that our players have really adapted."
The Giants' youngsters helped the club fashion a winning score against Richmond. First-year forward Zac Langdon was the game's leading goal-kicker with three, while utility Tim Taranto drifted down from the wing to boot two clutch goals.
Former Western Bulldogs captain Ryan Griffen, who has reignited his career in the forward line and sits third in the club's goalkicking list this season, has also stepped up in recent weeks.
Big men Rory Lobb, Harry Himmelberg and Adam Tomlinson have also shouldered an increased workload - and will continue to do so against Port Adelaide on Sunday.
"We need guys to come in and do what Jez and Jonny do so well every week, crash packs and kick goals," co-captain Callan Ward said last week.
Lobb was set to be the Giants' No.1 ruckman this season but the absence of Cameron and Patton means he has played predominantly as a forward since returning from injury in round 15.
Ward and Stephen Coniglio have been among the midfielders to kick critical goals since Cameron was banned.
"It's always important for a good midfield to kick goals," Ward said.
"Look at the past 20 years, at Brisbane in 2001-2004 then West Coast when Ben Cousins was there. Good mids kick goals."
Australian Associated Press
