Rd 12 – Melbourne v GWS GIANTS: Here Come the Giants!

 

Melbourne v GWS GIANTS

TIO Traeger Park

Alice Springs . Arrente

Sunday May 31 3.15pm

The Demons and Giants converged on the red heart of Australia in what shaped as one of the most intriguing contests of Round 12. The Giants arrived in Alice Springs brimming with confidence after producing one of the most extraordinary quarters of football ever witnessed, dismantling Brisbane with a breathtaking 14-goal third-quarter avalanche that left the reigning premiers shell-shocked and the football world searching for superlatives.

Adding further firepower to Adam Kingsley’s side is the timely return of key trio Sam Taylor, Lachie Whitfield and Leek Aleer, strengthening a line-up already overflowing with talent and momentum. Melbourne was desperate to respond following a heartbreaking three-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs, a loss that denied the Demons a valuable four points and left them searching for much needed consistency.

Yet beyond the premiership points, the afternoon carried a deeper significance for the Melbourne Football Club. Players, officials and supporters united to celebrate the life and legacy of former coach and club icon Neale Daniher, whose courageous battle with MND inspired millions across Australia before his passing last week. His unwavering determination, humour and humanity have become synonymous with the Demons’ and Australian football and ensured an emotional backdrop to a contest that promised passion, intensity and no shortage of inspiration in the Alice Springs sunshine.

The opening quarter was a fiercely contested affair with neither Melbourne nor GWS able to gain a decisive advantage. The Giants looked dangerous when they found space on the outside, while the Demons matched them around the contest in an entertaining and even opening term.

The second quarter saw GWS begin to assert their authority and threaten to break the game open. The outstanding Finn Callaghan was everywhere, gathering 17 disposals before half-time as he sliced through the Melbourne defence with his trademark run and composure. Lachie Ash continued his superb season with plenty of drive from half-back and through the middle, while the baby-faced Harvey Thomas provided spark and polish when in attack. Toby Bedford’s relentless pressure and work rate also proved instrumental as the Giants gained ascendancy around the ground.

Just when the margin appeared set to balloon, Melbourne found a timely response. Late goals to Brody Mihocek and Kysaiah “Kozzy” Pickett reduced the deficit to just 12 points at the main break and kept the Demons firmly in the contest. Pickett looked ominously dangerous (and booted a miracle goal of the year contender) whenever he went near the football and may well have proved the difference-maker if Melbourne was to mount a challenge.

However after a competitive first half the Giants shifted through the gears and powered away to a commanding 49-point victory, underlining why they remain one of the competition’s genuine threats when in full flight. The Giants’ trademark defensive system once again proved miserly, repeatedly denying Melbourne clean opportunities, while their midfield controlled territory and supply throughout the second half. Up forward, the Giants were clinical and efficient, converting dominance into scoreboard pressure and steadily extinguishing any hopes of a Demons victory.

The only concern on an otherwise perfect afternoon was a late scare for key defender Sam Taylor, who appeared to suffer hamstring tightness before the club indicated it was likely cramp rather than anything more serious.

With the bye arriving at the ideal time, the Giants head into the break with momentum, confidence and a growing sense of anticipation. More ominously for the rest of the competition, the prospect of Jesse Hogan, Jake Riccardi and Josh Kelly returning in the coming weeks will further strengthen an already formidable line-up.

If the Giants can maintain their current form and regain key personnel, they may well send a shiver through the premiership contenders as they launch their assault on the second half of the season. Here come the Giants!

 

SCORES:

MELBOURNE                                             3.4    6.8    8.12    9.16 (70)

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY           4.0    9.2    14.3    19.5 (119)

GOALS:

Melbourne: Mihocek 3, K. Pickett, Jeffereson, L. Pickett, Rivers, Sparrow, Steele

Greater Western Sydney: Brown 3, Greene 3, Gruzewski 3, Callaghan 2, Bedford 2, Thomas 2, Cadman, Gothard, Stringer, Briggs

BEST:

Melbourne: Steele, K. Pickett, Rivers, Bowey, Gawn, Tholstrop

Greater Western Sydney: Callaghan, Ash, Oliver, Whitfield, Idun, Thomas

INJURIES:

Melbourne: Petty (foot)

Greater Western Sydney: Coniglio (Hamstring awareness)

 

CROWD: 6,374 at TIO Traegar Park

  

MALARKEY MEDAL VOTES: 

Callaghan   3

Oliver 2

Ash   1

 

 

Read more from Richard Griffiths HERE

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