GWS’ backline will need support in 2021

GWS’ defense has been as good a backline unit as any in 2020 and the added pressure of the semi-final brought out perhaps its very best performance.

Tanya Hetherington and Elle Bennetts countered Tegan Cunningham (two disposals) and then waxed and waned as the loose player to gather groundball and repel again and again.

Pepa Randall was her usual merciless self and the move of Jess Dal Pos to the backline has been vindicated across this season. Throw in the fleet-footed Taylah Davies and the canny Bec Beeson and you have a backline with all the pieces in place.

Across the second half in the semi-final at GIANTS Stadium, Melbourne pumped the ball Inside 50 only to crash time and time again on a well-structured, well-composed and seemingly tireless orange and charcoal wall (GWS won rebound 50s 24-17).

Where am I going with this? Well, it is strange to think that the Giants got overrun in this game when their backline played what was close to a perfect finals match.

GWS led by nine points with four minutes to play in a low-scoring contest and lost the match after a final term in which Melbourne dominated out of the centre.

Yes, countering a midfield stacked with Lauren Pearce, Lily Mithen, Elise O’Dea and Karen Paxman is a tough ask. However, after GWS has reflected on a history-making first finals appearance, Alan McConnell’s women will have to find how they are going to address the deficiencies that cost them this match.

Discipline and commitment to a game plan can only take a team so far. GWS’ lack of matchwinners held them back in the semi-final.

Outside of Alyce Parker and Alicia Eva, GWS do not have offensive players who can turn a game. Up forward, Cora Staunton and Bec Privitelli (13 goals combined this year) were a handy duo but the former will be 39 this time next year. Can the likes of Haneen Zreika, Aimee Schmidt and Jacinda Barclay become dangerous forward options?