Tigers in their sights as Giants eye culture of success
Locking down Richmond's goal-kickers will be just one part of GWS defender Connor Idun's job at Engie Stadium.
Snaring back-to-back wins by defeating the Tigers on Saturday remains the No.1 agenda item, but Idun is also out to put on a show in the club's Cultural Heritage Series fixture.
A new initiative by the AFL this year, the fixture will celebrate the diverse cultures in western Sydney - a community where more than 40 per cent of the population are immigrants, according to the 2021 Census.
GWS are one of nine AFL clubs taking part in the initiative, but it is a continuation of an annual multicultural-focused game the club has held since 2016.
Of Ghanaian background, Idun doesn't need anyone to spell out the importance of the fixture.
Born in the UK to an English-Ghanaian dad and white Australian mum, the 24-year-old grew up in Drysdale near Geelong.
It wasn't until arriving at the Giants in 2018 that Idun began reconnecting with his Ghanaian roots.
"I guess I neglected it a little bit growing up. Where I grew up, I was probably one of the only coloured people," Idun told AAP.
"Coming to the club, (vice-captain) Stephen Coniglio is great at it, just making sure we're being proud of our culture and speaking a lot about it.
"I'm still on a learning path about being Ghanaian and what it means, but now that I've got these young kids looking up to me, that's something I really want to continue.
"I'm starting to piece together why I've got all this energy, why I am who I am."
South Sudanese player Leek Aleer and Irish forward Callum Brown, of Jamaican descent, will also play against the Tigers.
Western Sydney local Josaia Delana, of Fijian background, also made his debut this season.
"It's always good having a few coloured brothers around," Idun said.
"It's funny, you don't have to even meet them, but you've just got a closer connection."
Ladder positions suggest eight-placed GWS (6-5) have the upper hand against 16th-placed (3-8) Richmond, but the Giants haven't claimed back-to-back wins since round five.
The Tigers will also welcome back premiership stars Tom Lynch (concussion), Toby Nankervis (managed) and Dion Prestia (achilles) after the trio missed last week's scrappy loss to Essendon.
"We definitely can't underestimate them (Richmond). They're playing with a lot of grit and determination at the moment," Idun said.
"When they get their tails up, they're very dangerous, and they've got a lot of young talent that are up for the fight.
"We're going to have to bring it out again. If not, they'll teach us a lesson."
GWS regain Josh Kelly (hip) and Toby McMullin (adductor), with Jacob Wehr and Harry Rowston making way.
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