Finals a Giant leap too far: Cameron
Greater Western Sydney might be sitting inside the AFL's top eight for the first time in their short history, but coach Leon Cameron isn't about to start labelling them a finals force.
With two wins from the season's opening three games, the sixth-placed Giants are flying high in 2014.
Convincing victories over cross-town rivals Sydney and Melbourne have them ahead of the Swans and last year's grand finalists Fremantle on the ladder.
A win over the Western Bulldogs in Canberra on Saturday could move them even higher.
So is post-season footy a Giant leap too far?
"Yes," a laughing Cameron said on Wednesday.
"We go out to try and win every game. But in terms of that (reaching the finals), we are a week-to-week prospect.
"We understand where we're at: we're the 18th youngest side in the competition.
"Yes, we're developing - I acknowledge that. Our boys are growing, they're getting better, they're staying in games for longer.
"But all we can focus on is the Dogs on Saturday."
The Giants narrowly missed out on victory over the Bulldogs in round 16 last year, losing by just four points.
They return to Canberra this weekend in what Cameron believes will be a great test for his side, who have tried to develop a similar style to their opponents.
"They're an exciting young side that play some really good football - hard and tough football, but an exciting brand of footy," he said.
"And we're trying to emulate that as well. We're in our third year and we feel as though we're making some good ground on that.
"That right mix of in-and-under, tackle pressure, hardness of the footy, but also able to move the footy.
"(So) I think it's going to be a cracking game."
The Giants will be without Devon Smith after the club unsuccessfully contested a one-match suspension for striking Melbourne's Bernie Vince.
New recruit Jed Lamb is a chance of making his senior debut for the Giants this weekend after a string of injuries hampered the former Swan's pre-season.
Meanwhile co-captain Phil Davis, who spent almost two weeks in hospital with a serious kidney injury last month, is back to his "bubbly" self, according to Cameron.
The gutsy defender was on Wednesday lifting weights but the coach said it was too early to put a timeline on his return.
"He's doing something one day, then has one day off," Cameron said.
"As we progress throughout the weeks and we get the reviews from the doctors, we'll probably get a good indication of where he's at playing-wise."
