Round 14
St Kilda v GWS Giants
Sunday 14 June 3.15pm
Marvel Stadium
Toby Greene has kicked plenty of goals throughout his career but his biggest challenge last Sunday may well have been trying to find a television remote. Toby was less than thrilled that the Giants clash against the Saints at Marvel Stadium was scheduled virtually head-to-head with the opening FIFA World Cup match between the Socceroos and Turkey-or is it Turkiye? At the opening bounce it was half time in the World Cup clash with Australia 1-0 up after an impressive build up and goal by Irankunda. Toby would have been pleased.
By quarter time at Marvel the Socceroos were up 2-0 thanks to a Metcalfe low left footer and the Australians looked poised to take out the opener. It was a tight encounter at Marvel with young Saint Cooper Sharman posing a real threat against a Giants defence without Buckley and Sam Taylor out of form after a long absence on the sidelines.
While the sporting focus of a nation shifted across the Pacific to Vancouver, where the Socceroos etched another chapter into Australian sporting folklore with a famous 2-0 World Cup victory over Turkey there was no shortage of drama unfolding beneath the roof at Marvel Stadium. The Saints gained the upper hand in the second term through the lively Liam Ryan who booted three goals, while De Kooning began to extert significant influence in the ruck giving the Saints first use around the stoppages and helping the Saints seize momentum.
But just as the game threatened to tilt decisively in the home sides favour, the Giants found a response. Led by Clayton Oliver who amassed 22 first half disposals the orange tsunami began to build. An Aaron Cadman goal from tight on the boundary had the visitors trailing by 1 point at half time.
As jubilant Australian soccer fans celebrated deep into the Vancouver night, the tension inside Marvel Stadium was equally palpable. The Saints and Giants could well be vying for that valuable 10th “Wild Card” spot and the second half could well be the most crucial half of football for the season for these sides.
After weeks of mounting pressure the Saints finally rediscovered its winning touch hanging on grimly for an eight-point victory and snapping a three game losing streak. The Saints were inspired by Liam Ryan who booted a career defining six goals, proving a constant menace every time the ball entered the forward 50. Silvagni was solid in defence negating an out of touch Jesse Hogan and providing some composure in the frantic final minutes.
For the Giants the loss leaves their season precariously perched on a knifes edge. Injuries, inconsistency and missed opportunities have combined to place enormous importance on the weeks ahead. The margin between contention and disappointment has become alarmingly thin.
As Australian soccer rides a wave of hope and momentum, the Giants find themselves searching for answers, knowing that the second half of its season may well define the future of the clubs 2026 campaign.
ST KILDA 4.3 8.4. 10.10. 14.12 (96)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 4.1 8.3 9.8 13.10 (88)
GOALS
St Kilda: Ryan 6, Sharman 4, DeKoning, Butler, Hall, Wanganeen-Milera.
Greater Western Sydney: Cadman 4, Sringer 3, Gothard 2, Greene 2, Bedford, Hogan.
BEST
St Kilda: Wanganeen-Milera, Silvagni, Ryan, Sharman, Garcia.
Greater Western Sydney: Daniels, Whitfield, Oliver. Callaghan, Cadman, Ash.
INJURIES
St Kilda: Nil
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
CROWD 17,748
MALARKEY VOTES
3 – L Ryan
2 – N Wanganeen-Milera
1 – C Oliver
Read other round 14 match reports HERE
Read more from Richard Griffiths HERE
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