A New Chapter for Kieren Briggs
Kieren Briggs, the ruckman of GWS Giants, is determined to rise to the challenge against one of the league’s most formidable players, Max Gawn. The 12th-placed Giants, riding high after a dominant performance against Brisbane, are set to face Melbourne at Traeger Park on Sunday. This match could be pivotal in their quest for back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
In their previous game, the Giants showcased an impressive display by scoring 14 consecutive goals while effectively containing the reigning premiers, who managed to score none. This record-breaking third-quarter performance led to a remarkable 78-point victory. Briggs played a crucial role in this win, managing 26 hitouts, five clearances, and eight score involvements against Brisbane’s strong ruck duo of Sam Draper and Darcy Fort.
Briggs’ form hasn’t come without its challenges. The 26-year-old spent three weeks in the VFL after coach Adam Kingsley described his early-season performance as merely “okay.” However, his return to the senior team in round eight was facilitated by an injury to fellow Giants academy product Nick Madden, who had initially been the preferred ruck.
“Obviously, it wasn’t the ideal way that I wanted to start the year, but I just needed to go back and find some form,” Briggs said. He acknowledged that while his performance was not bad, it fell short of his personal standards and those of the coaching staff. “It was good to go back and find some confidence. I can’t put my finger on it, really. If I had that answer, I’d be a pretty good psychologist, I reckon, but it’s just narrowing focus on my strengths and what makes me valuable to the team.”
Emotional Call to Arms for Melbourne
Melbourne has received a strong emotional boost ahead of the match, with the team aiming to honor the memory of Demons great Neale Daniher, who passed away on Monday. Under the guidance of new coach Steven King, the refreshed Demons have exceeded external expectations, climbing to sixth place (7-4) on the ladder.
Clayton Oliver, a former Demons star who made a move to GWS last season, is set to face his former side for the first time. His performance this season has been nothing short of exceptional, with top stats in contested possession and clearances. “If he’s at a Melbourne club, it would probably get spoken about a lot more, so he’s in flying form,” Briggs noted.
Facing a Champion
Max Gawn, the Demons’ skipper, remains a significant threat for Briggs. Gawn has been a consistent performer, averaging 31 hitouts and 6.1 clearances this season. He is also in contention for a record ninth All-Australian blazer. “Max has been a champion of the game for so long, and I look up to him and what he’s been able to do,” Briggs said.
Despite the challenge, Briggs remains focused on his own game. “We’ll obviously just try and focus on my game, but he’s clearly a very important player to their system and their young group.” With both teams eager to make a statement, the upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling encounter.
