After an extremely disappointing 2022, the Giants have a new coach, a new midfield and likely a new lease on life. There is little doubt that last year saw the Ferrari break down and become in desperate need of a tune-up.
The season could not have been much worse for the Giants, losing coach Leon Cameron and searching for a way to rediscover the fire and form that saw them make the Grand Final in 2019.
They lost five of their first six games and never really recovered, as injuries and form took their toll. Tellingly, they didn't manage to beat a single team that finished higher than 12th, a sign their form had fallen off a cliff.
The nightmare season saw long-time coach Leon Cameron step down, perhaps aware that the club had grown stale and was in desperate need of a revamp after going so close to the ultimate before descending back down the ladder.
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The off-season wasn't much better, with gun onballers Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper both requesting moves to Richmond. To make matters worse, developing youngster Tanner Bruhn also requested a trade and managed to land himself a move to the reigning premiers.
Fortunately, the Giants are well-stocked for midfielders and the expectations on them for season 2023 are much lower, meaning they may just be able to sneak under the radar and pull off a few shock upsets.
With new coach Adam Kingsley and his glorious pipes at the helm, there will be a clear imprimatur to reinvigorate the squad, which still boasts an array of extremely talented players. There is no doubt they are a better team than their six wins in 2022 suggest.
From 2022 All-Australian Sam Taylor down back, to midfield guns Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly, Lachie Whitfield and Tom Green, to a handy forward line in Toby Greene and Harrison Himmelberg, there is enough there to win games.
Green's signature is a huge boost, having been the subject of much speculation throughout 2022 and no doubt signifies that all is not lost at the Giants.
Throw in another number one pick in Aaron Cadman and a handful of others ready to make their mark, such as the highly-touted Finn Callaghan, and the Giants could be pushing for finals again sooner than expected.
With that in mind, we look at four options that could help speed up the process and see the Giants get back to September action.
4. Brayden Maynard
While being another left-of-field option, it's worth keeping in mind that defenders need to actually defend at times and Brayden Maynard can not only rebound, but has the versatility to lock down a range of forwards. He has shown he can shut down small forwards before and his physicality is among the best in the competition.
Since establishing himself in the Collingwood backline, Maynard has gone from strength to strength, becoming a pivotal member of the Magpies' defence and at times, engine room. The 26-year-old hard nut not only provides defensive pressure and rebound, but is developing a reputation as an interceptor.
Season 2022 saw him elevate his game to a new level, averaging 17 disposals, 4.8 marks, 3.5 tackles and 3.6 rebound 50s per game, while his most impressive feat was ranking 12th in total intercepts for the entire competition.
After continuing his upward trajectory year on year, Maynard was named in the 44-man All-Australian squad as recognition of his key role in the Magpies' brilliant push back up the ladder. A player of his calibre walks straight into the GWS backline and instantly make them more competitive and dangerous on the rebound.
