AFL LIVE updates: Ruckman stretchered off after collision, but Giants surge late in first term against Pies

Time and again, GWS have been found wanting in the AFL “when it matters”.

It is a trait that captain Toby Greene says they must overcome if the Giants are to realise their potential and go from very good to great with an elusive premiership.

GWS will miss several players, including some of their stars, when they start their season on Sunday with a home game against Collingwood.

They are coming off unimpressive pre-season hitouts and their awful end to last season, when GWS blew decisive leads to crash out of the finals in straight sets.

Then came their Mad Monday debacle, which has made a handful of players unavailable for the start of the season because of AFL suspensions.

Despite all this, the Giants are widely fancied in pre-season forecasts to win their first flag.

“It’s a good thing, in a way, that people have faith in us, but we probably don’t deserve to be favourites,” Greene said on Saturday.

“We have teams like Brisbane and Collingwood that have got us in finals in the last few years, and the Swans as well.

“We know we have to be a lot better to beat those teams when it matters – that’s all we can worry about.

He added that the past few days had been busy at GWS as they aim to step up and be ready for the Magpies.

“We haven’t been great in the practice games, so we’re keen to really get going and bring our best showing – looking forward to it,” Greene said.

“It’s pretty simple. It’s a lot to do with mindset and pressure, playing the way we want to play.

AAP