Team preview: Greater Western Sydney

Stepping Stones ... the Giants will hope to build on a very solid debut season in the AFL. Source: PAUL MILLER / AAP

The AFL season begins on Friday. We get you ready for the opening bounce by taking a look at all the teams and their prospects for 2013.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

Take a bow Giants; as first years go, theirs was seriously impressive. Between Jeremy Cameron standing on defenders' backs, Toby Greene regularly racking up 30 possessions and Stephen Coniglio slicing through traffic, the Giants chiefs got it dead right with their list build. 

All times are listed in EDT

They play tough, contested footy, and are already raving about the influence of coach-in-waiting Leon Cameron on the likes of inside midfielders Dylan Shiel and Coniglio. This year they will still be vulnerable down back, but the emergence of Jonathon Patton and super-slick No. 1 pick Lachie Whitfield will get more tongues wagging. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Has flown under the radar despite finishing last season like a freight train. Had 37 possessions against Collingwood and ranked second at the club for disposals from round 13 onwards. An elite goalkicking midfielder in the making.  

Last year it was Jeremy Cameron; this season it's Patton's turn to light up the forward line. Strong-marking forwards with his mobility at 197cm are a rare commodity, so enjoy.  

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LACHIE WHITFIELD

Silk on a wing/back flank. The No.1 draft pick is skinnier than the war-horses we saw emerge in orange last year, but already on track for a round-one berth.  

It's easy to forget Ward is only 22 years old. Few players are more fearless than this bloke. Should break through the 100-point-per game FOX FOOTY SuperCoach average mark for the first time in his career this season.

Jay Clark's forecast: 17th-18th

Do you agree with the prediction? Have your say below and follow the Giants all year long on FOX FOOTY.

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Bale: we're greater than Arsenal

Confident ... Gareth Bale tells Arsenal what he thinks of them. Source: Philippe Merle / AAP

Tottenham star Gareth Bale has claimed Spurs are now a better side than Arsenal after overtaking their fierce rivals in the quality stakes.

The north Londoners are on course to secure a UEFA Champions League spot after impressing this season under Andre Villas-Boas.

Bale, who has been integral to their form, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, believes they have pulled ahead of neighbours Arsenal, who have struggled for consistency this term.

The Welsh winger told The Sun: "I think five or 10 years ago Arsenal were always miles ahead of Tottenham. But that has changed in recent years.

"Over the past few seasons we have closed that gap and I think now we have overtaken them on the pitch. I think we have the stronger squad.

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West Ham United host Tottenham, which you can watch from 6.53am (EDT) on Fox Sports 1 HD on Tuesday.

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"Hopefully we can continue to do that as a club off the pitch as well, with the new stadium that is being built.

"But on the pitch and as a team now we are a lot more consistent and as a club we're moving in the right direction.

"Over the past few seasons we have closed that gap and I think now we have overtaken them on the pitch. I think we have the stronger squad." 

"But whatever people's opinions, I don't think anyone can deny we are up there fighting with them on merit now."

Bale, who established himself as a left winger at Spurs in recent seasons after moving from left-back, is enjoying the increased freedom being given to him by Villas-Boas this term.

He added: "Since I moved position over the last couple of years I've been getting double-marked on the left so it's been frustrating.

"Now I've been able to come inside with this free role and it's enabled me to enjoy my football, have more space and be able to do more things.

"All great players have had to evolve their games. When people become aware of you they try to stop the ball getting to you and double up on you.

"You always want to improve your game anyway and this has forced me to do so. It's been a challenge, I really enjoy doing it and I think I'm seeing the rewards now.

"I think the manager has to take a bit of credit. By giving me that free role he's given me the confidence to do what I'm doing now.

"I just want to keep doing it and keep learning. Hopefully there's still more to come."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11675/8521283/Gareth-Bale-believes-Tottenham-have-overtaken-Arsenal-as-better-side

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