Giant expectations

It was a tough season for Greater Western Sydney, who had to scratch and claw their way into the finals in 2018, before bowing out in the second semi-final against Collingwood.

Leon Cameron's men be hoping to a year full of injuries behind them, and ultimately take another step closer to their inaugural premiership.

While the Giants lost Dylan Shiel and Tom Scully, they have brought in a range of young guns who could help fill the void.

Players such as Jackson Hately and Jye Caldwell could debut early on in 2019, adding some much-needed flair to the midfield following the departure of the aforementioned duo.

Tim Taranto is another player who could rise to prominence through the Giants' engine room, but taking front and centre will undoubtedly be discussion surrounding the futures of Stephen Coniglio and Josh Kelly.

The regular stalwarts in Heath Shaw, Phil Davis and Callan Ward will once again feature heavily throughout the Giants' year, with all three barely taking so much as a step backwards since making the pilgrimage to the expansion club.

Ward will be sidelined for the next month as he overcomes a knee issue, but he won't be the only big-name Giant to miss, with Jonathon Patton not expected to return until mid-season.

The expectations are lofty for 2019, but GWS have the players to be a real contender once again this season.

OUR BEST 22 - ROUND 1

MVP

Easily one of their key men who run the midfield in the West of Sydney, Josh Kelly is poised for a massive year for the Giants.

Kelly has continued to take his game to another level each year and 2019 is looking to be another one of those seasons.

But constant contract talks may overshadow the season as rumours link him back to Victoria.

Breakout

Brent Daniels debuted last season, with the youngster playing seven games and showing signs of immense talent in his limited minutes on the ground.

Was very close to playing in the finals, but was squeezed out in favour of older bodies.

Expect him to feature regularly during the season as he looks to show why the Giants invested so heavily in him two years ago in the draft.

Under pressure

Lachlan Keeffe faces a make-or-break season in his final year under contract at the Giants.

The versatile tall played seven games last season including the semi-final against his former team, Collingwood, and showed his ability to play a range of roles in the latter parts of the season.

However, with the development of Kieran Briggs, Matthew Flynn and Sam Taylor, it is looking unlikely he will feature heavily in the Giants' senior line-up.

Facing an important few games if he can get in the side in the early stages of 2019.

EARLY PREDICTIONS...

1. The Giants will be a finals contender but will be playing in an elimination final

2. Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio contract sagas will be at the forefront of their season

3. Toby Greene will be in All-Australian contention