GWS (9-4, 2nd)
What's gone right: In a season that many predicted to be GWS' downfall, the Giants have been firing on all cylinders, well and truly establishing themselves as a genuine flag contender. The Giants sit second on the ladder after 13 games, and having beaten Geelong at GMHBA among other great victories, have justified all the praise lavished on them this season. Stephen Coniglio continues to star for the Giants, while Tim Taranto has had a breakout year in the midfield for GWS. Jeremy Cameron continues to remind everyone of the threat he poses to every team's defence, currently leading the Coleman Medal by five goals.
What's gone wrong: The belting against Hawthorn at the MCG was a particularly low point for the Giants, and shone the blowtorch on the vulnerabilities and weaknesses that they display. They've been dominant for a large part of the season, but at the end of the day, if they are to win the flag, they need to be able to deliver at the MCG, which remains a question mark. They did defeat the Demons a few weeks later at the 'G in a dominant showing - but with all due respect to the Demons, they aren't exactly a big scalp to claim for this season. In that sense, the jury's still out on the matter. The Giants have been cruelled by a few injury cases as well, most notably Callan Ward, who will sit out the season after rupturing his ACL against Geelong.
Best and fairest: It's hard to fathom that although the Giants have lost so many talented personnel over the last few years, they still have an abundance of talent at their disposal. Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield have been strong contributors to the Giants, while Jacob Hopper is averaging over 25 disposals and making his presence known in the midfield. But it could very well be Stephen Coniglio who leads the Kevin Sheedy Medal at this point in time, continuing to amass the footy and get on the scoreboard. Regardless of which club Coniglio is at in 2020, a lengthy and expensive - and well deserved - contract is inevitable.
Season grade: A
So far, so good for the Giants. They have nestled themselves firmly in the top four and have shown that they are a genuine chance for their first flag in the AFL. The Giants do have several difficult upcoming games after the bye which will test them, including games against Essendon, Brisbane and Collingwood. If GWS is able to emerge from these matches unscathed, then a top four birth is a near certainty.
