With six weeks of the marathon run, the line between contenders and pretenders is becoming much more opaque.
Although 94.4% of the competition's 18-teams have now put a win on the board, the gap between first and last is still chasmic.
As we edged toward the end of the season's second month, the question marks surrounding every side – whether they are leading the league or languishing – are still aplenty.
With Round 7 set to start this Friday night, we have cast an eye across each of the league's combatants and have sought to answer the key questions facing each and every one of them.
Greater Western Sydney
Do we need to change how we view Leon Cameron's side?
Despite the fact I have previously been one of the Giants' harshest critics this season, the effort that Leon Cameron's youthful side put up in their bout against the Bulldogs last Friday was more than admirable.
Although the GWS team that ran out onto Manuka Oval last weekend was the youngest in the competition in Round 6, we have all been warned that it is not something we should become accustomed to.
“I think one of us is just going to have to kick half-a-dozen goals in the twos to try and make it happen." 😂
GWS ruck duo Shane Mumford and Matt Flynn spoke on how the pair will look to work together in 2021.
FULL STORY >>> https://t.co/KxSHQibR7S pic.twitter.com/Bt7Pcy1ZB2
— Zero Hanger (@zerohanger) April 29, 2021
Speaking prior to their victory against Collingwood in Round 5, Cameron explained that although his hand had been forced into playing the kids, it is not something that the recently under-fire head coach is keen to continue with.
“We know the situation we're in. We've got nine or 10 of our best 22 out, and a lot of those guys are mature players. We're being really honest with ourselves where we're at,” Cameron told the club's media team.
"We'll pick the best side that we can possibly pick every week, starting this week.
“If that means it's young kids, it's young kids. If it's players that are coming back from injury, or players that have been at our club for 10 years, then we'll pick the best side every week that we think can get the job done.”
With Lachie Whitfield expected to return this week, as well as names like Phil Davis, Nick Haynes and Sam Reid within the next month, this youthful appearance will soon be shed, and both Cameron and his team can rightfully return under the microscope.
All the latest injury news ahead of our clash with the Crows, including updates on Nick Haynes and Lachie Whitfield.
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) April 27, 2021
So, do we have to change how we view the Giants? For the minute, yes.
However, as soon as these aforementioned names, as well as Pruess, De Boer and their skipper, Stephen Coniglio are back, then all bets are back off and the gloves come back on.
