- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Greater Western Sydney have consolidated their spot in the AFL’s top four with a first-quarter onslaught to set up a 35-point victory over Melbourne.
The Giants outclassed the Demons, winning 14.13 (97) to 10.2 (62) in front of 14,274 fans on on Saturday afternoon at Manuka Oval.
It’s a costly loss for Melbourne, who could drop out of the top eight by the end of the round, while GWS jump to second.
The Giants’ tackling was sensational, with their high-pressure game choking the Dees who lacked creativity in attack.
There were concerning signs for GWS early, with Melbourne booting the first three goals of the match.
But their momentum was arrested by two freakish goals, with Stephen Coniglio’s left-foot banana from the boundary opening their account before Tom Scully benefited from a wicked off-break.
That sparked an avalanche, with GWS using a favourable breeze to pile on eight majors to give them their highest-scoring first quarter in the club’s short history.
The Giants switched their focus to defence in the second term without the aid of the breeze, playing with an extra man in the backline as the pace disappeared from the contest.
Despite dominating possession, the Dees struggled to break them down and went into the main break trailing by six goals.
GWS kept Melbourne at arm’s length in a dour second half, with any hopes of a comeback snuffed out by the Giants’ strong defensive efforts.
The Demons’ forwards had a miserable day with Jack Watts and Jeff Garlett not registering a kick in the first half.
Giants midfield star Josh Kelly played stints up forward and finished with three goals and 27 disposals, while veteran Steve Johnson and Devon Smith kicked two apiece.
Callan Ward and Dylan Shiel showed toughness at the contest, while racking up 29 and 25 touches respectively.
Former Richmond star Brett Deledio celebrated his AFL comeback with a last-quarter goal in an otherwise quiet return.
To add to the Demons’ pain, Jake Melksham could face a suspension for a high bump.
Giants ruckman Shane Mumford will also come under scrutiny from the match review panel over two incidents.
He flung debutant Corey Maynard into the turf in a heavy tackle in the second quarter, before collecting Max Gawn with his shoulder in the third.
GWS have won all three matches this year in Canberra.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.