The AFL’s two new boys clash as the GWS Giants and Gold Coast Suns seek their first win of the season. We’ll have live scores and updates from 1.40pm AEST.
Rarely has a match-up between two sides so low on the ladder generated this much interest.
Manuka Oval, of all places, is the scene for a battle that has divided opinion all week.
My Roar colleague Cameron Rose stuck his neck out on Monday and claimed the Giants will win.
His reasoning was that Kevin Sheedy would be sensing the opportunity ahead of him, Callan Ward is a strong best on ground candidate and Tom Scully is due for his best game as a Giant yet.
According to Cameron, “more than anything, I just sense that the old master Kevin Sheedy is capable of pulling one out of the bag against the odds.”
Another Roar colleague, Vince Rugari, defied this view the next day with a piece outlining why the Suns should win.
His reasoning included that the Suns have found form in recent weeks even without Ablett and the only tall target that could outmuscle their defence (Setanta O’hAilpin) is out for the season. He noted the standout performances of David Swallow and Karmichael Hunt last week.
According to Vince, “The simple fact is that GWS can’t beat Gold Coast this weekend without a Gold Coast mental collapse.”
This one isn’t easy to tip, that’s for sure. The form of both teams in recent weeks has been promising.
I heard a radio reporter last Sunday claim that GWS had been thrashed by Carlton.
It was some shocking reporting – the Giants were within 10 points at half time and the Blues only took control after Dean Brogan was subbed off due to injury and another tall, O’hAilpin, left the game not long after.
The final margin – 67 points – didn’t look so flash, but it didn’t tell the full story and even if it did, this is Carlton we’re talking about, a side that should make the top four.
The most impressive youngsters for GWS included Toby Greene and Stephen Coniglio, while Ward had a quite one, perhaps a sign he’s on the verge of a big game this week.
Gold Coast, meanwhile, were able to push Fremantle at home, losing by seven points in a genuine thriller.
Bennell was the clear standout with his 37 disposals and three goals. Dion Prestia and Sam Iles also impressed. The worry, though, was the season-ending injury to the all-important Nathan Bock.
The big news on Thursday was that Gary Ablett and Michael Rischitelli are both back for the Suns. Those are some huge ins.
The Giants have made a host of changes, but you feel Gold Coast should get the job done today.
It’s sure to be an enjoyable contest.
ItsCalled AussieRules
Roar Rookie
No. Got it wrong - its the A-League. Have a look at the scoreboard: Attendance 8,603. SFC's average attendance this season: 14,200.
micka
Guest
Cornes look like their dad or something... A dad who could crush skulls
Nathan of Perth
Guest
God damn this has been a terrible day for my tipping, except for the matches I WANTED to be wrong in.
p.Tah
Guest
They really do look like kids in that photo. Congrats on the win GWS!
Stumpy
Roar Rookie
Congratulations to GWS the players, club, coaching staff and their supporters on a fantastic first win.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Good game and impressive win. Best bit, once the Suns got that 3 goal break, I really thought that the Giants wouldn't be able to come back, but in fact the Suns didn't score another goal for the rest of the match, in the end, they were the ones that wanted it more.
mds1970
Roar Guru
Just got back from Canberra. Was quite a day. There were those who said this day wouldn't come, that the Giants would go through the season without a win. But that underestimated the development of these young guns; and even more underestimated their spirit.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Congratulations to the Giants on an historic first win. I have to admit, the song sounds damn good as a celebratory song.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
We'll have plenty of wins at Fortress Skoda :)
Rod rover
Guest
What a shame that Western Sydney missed the game because the 'home' game was in Canberra
micka
Guest
Tapering and still better than the Hyundai z league I would imagine. Nice tight game really.
Toa
Guest
Well done GWS saw only the final quarter but why was Brennan playing ruckmen?..... any body know what happen to Zac or Charlie?.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Theres a big big sound from the West of the town ...
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
@JGrowler: Winners!! @GWS_Giants #aflgiantssuns
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
@GWS_Giants: What a feeling! GIANTS WIN for the first time, great moment in AFL history #aflgiantssuns #playbig
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
The reserves boys join in the celebration. An absolutely massive huddle was on hand to sing the song in the rooms. And it was the most passionate singing of the song we’ve seen from any club this year, surely. Best on ground honours go to Stephen Coniglio, I felt. 31 touches and a goal, was involved in a lot of key moments. Of the more experienced player, Scully is slowly but surely coming along and Cornes was crucial. Big Jon Giles bagged three, he was important. What does this result mean for the Suns? They looked impressive in their two games without Gary Ablett but Guy McKenna may be feeling the heat this week. Plenty will be said about the club failing to beat the other AFL new boys. DISPOSALS: GWS: Coniglio 31, Cornes 28, Palmer 22, Adams 22, Scully 22, Ward 22 Gold Coast: Ablett 33, Iles 28, Prestia 26, Bennell 24, Warnock 22 GOALS: GWS: Giles 3, Smith 2, Treloar, Sumner, Coniglio, Ward, Townsend, Tyson, Shiel, Cameron Gold Coast: Caddy 2, Day 2, Bennell, Iles, Horsley, Swallow, Rischitelli KEY STATS: Contested possessions: GWS +3 Clearances: GWS +5 Inside 50s: GWS +16 Tackles: Gold Coast +33 DREAM TEAM: Prestia 127, Cornes 116, Iles 116, Giles 110, Coniglio 108, Ablett 106, Ward 100, Warnock 100
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
FULL TIME GWS Giants 13.16 94 Gold Coast Suns 9.13 67 A historic day for the Greater Western Sydney Giants. Their first ever AFL victory. Well deserved, too. The game was there to be won and they stepped up in a big way. Three huge goals in a minute late in the piece sealed it. Great scenes after the siren as the players embrace each other and the unfamiliar club song blares out the speakers.
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Another one! Chad Cornes chops off a forward foray. Giants happy to keep attacking instead of working the clock. Quickly ends up in the hands of Giles inside 50. He goals. All over red rover! GWS Giants 95 Gold Coast 67 – 1min left 4th qtr
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Scully to Folau for the dream icing on the cake, but he doesn't take it. GWS Giants 89 Gold Coast 67 – 2min left 4th qtr
Michael DiFabrizio
Expert
Clearance won by Coniglio. Folau fumbles around it but then Cameron pounces. THREE IN A MINUTE! BOY OH BOY! GWS Giants 89 Gold Coast 67 – 3min left 4th qtr