Suddenly, Jonathan Giles is a lot more important to West Coast than anyone thought he might be. LTIs to Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett late last year mean he might have to carry the ruck for long periods in 2017. He has not done this at AFL level since 2013... two clubs ago. He did claim the scalp of Sam Jacobs in late 2016 action, though that may be more of a reflection on Sauce's form. It seems likely that Giles will be in a ruck committee with Nathan Vardy or Drew Petrie, then possibly Lycett on his scheduled return in midseason. His history when leading the ruck is not that much different to replacement-level scoring, as he doesn't get consistent stats around the ground and his forward work is uninspired. Anything more than a late pick to fill a roster hole is unwarranted.
Buffing up Giles' prospects
Suddenly, Jonathan Giles is a lot more important to West Coast than anyone thought he might be. LTIs to Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett late last year mean he might have to carry the ruck for long periods in 2017. He has not done this at AFL level since 2013... two clubs ago. He did claim the scalp of Sam Jacobs in late 2016 action, though that may be more of a reflection on Sauce's form. It seems likely that Giles will be in a ruck committee with Nathan Vardy or Drew Petrie, then possibly Lycett on his scheduled return in midseason. His history when leading the ruck is not that much different to replacement-level scoring, as he doesn't get consistent stats around the ground and his forward work is uninspired. Anything more than a late pick to fill a roster hole is unwarranted.
