2022 Numbers:
Points Against (Brennan Jakovich Shield): 1927 - 13th
Inside 50's Against Per Goal: 4.35 - 10th
Scarlett Silvagni Medal Votes: 47 - 7th
Defenders:
Keys: Leek Aleer, Jack Buckley, Phil Davis, Cameron Fleeton, Max Gruzewski, Harry Himmelberg, Lachlan Keefe, Sam Taylor
General: Callum Brown, Isaac Cumming, Josh Fahey, Cooper Hamilton, Nick Haynes, Connor Idun, Adam Kennedy
In: Max Gruzewski
Out: Jake Stein (delisted)
Despite their poor finish in last year's season, both in terms of points against and in ladder position - particularly after making a semi-final the year before, the Giants remain one of the best backlines in the competition on paper.
Sam Taylor made the All-Australian team in a side that finished 16th - an almost unheard-of feat - and Phil Davis was his usual brilliant self when available.
Add to that formidable pairing 2020 All-Australian Nick Haynes, along with defensive revelation Harry Himmelberg and the backline is the least of the worries, particularly with young talents Callum Brown, Connor Idun and Isaac Cumming improving all the while.
It's fair to say that teams scored easily against the Giants last year, but it's unfair to put that blame on the defenders. A lack of consistency in the ruck, paired with a lot of samey midfielders allowed teams to pump the ball in under little pressure.
Despite this, some brilliant individual efforts were recorded, like Phil Davis' early season performance against Buddy Franklin, and a late season show of brilliance from Sam Taylor to almost keep Fremantle at bay.
Not a lot has been added for GWS this year, but with the talent on their list - even with a couple of big-name departures - you would expect they finish higher than the disappointing 16th from last year.
Improvement from Isaac Cumming could see him make an All-Australian squad in a season with a positive Win-Loss record.
Here at The Back Pocket, we don't even need to see improvement from the GWS Defenders, all we want to see is Himmelberg stay down back.
Back Pocket Rating: B
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