Footy Fix: They're still a work in progress - but 'Northball' will make electric Roos the AFL's most exciting team
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Greater Western Sydney have recorded their first AFL win over Richmond with an 88-point belting in Canberra.
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Saturday’s 17.9 (111) to 3.5 (23) victory, on the back of a historic opening term, means the Giants keep hold of second place on the ladder and all but secures them a maiden finals berth.
It marks the Tigers’ lowest score since 1961 and equal sixth-worst in club history.
Never before had the expansion club beaten Richmond in five meetings since 2012.
Nor, until now, had they completed a season sweep at Manuka Oval – their second home behind Sydney’s Spotless Stadium – having toppled Port Adelaide and Geelong earlier this season.
And it was done in front of the biggest crowd at the venue of 14,974.
Steve Johnson, Toby Greene and Sam Reid led the way with three goals apiece, while Jeremy Cameron and Tom Scully had two each in perfect conditions.
The win, however, came at a cost with Rory Lobb taken off with an ankle injury.
The Giants enjoyed a dream start, booting the first nine majors and keeping the Tigers to just one point in the opening half.
By quarter-time, they held a 51-1 lead from six different goalscorers.
It was their biggest opening term, eclipsing their record 45-point haul in round six against Hawthorn.
The Tigers didn’t slot their first – and only – major of the half until seven minutes into an improved second quarter via Jack Riewoldt.
The Giants only kicked three in the term but went into the main break up 11.5 (71) to 1.2 (8).
They were kept fairly quiet in the third term, but maintained a 63-point lead.
Four majors in the final quarter extended that to 88 for one of their largest wins.
Riewoldt and Sam Lloyd were the only goal-kickers for the visitors.
They host Collingwood on Friday, while GWS travel to the Gold Coast to play the Suns a day later.
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